Scientists have proven that holding your breath improves reaction time in video games and elsewhere

A study published back in 2022 has unexpectedly gained a new life in the gaming community thanks to the practical implications users drew from it. Scientists have identified a direct correlation between human reaction time and the phases of the respiratory cycle, which could radically change how gameplay is handled in fast-paced shooters.

The experiment involved two groups of 21 volunteers each, with an average age of approximately 25 years, and an equal number of men and women. The subjects were placed in a completely darkened and soundproofed room and fitted with electroencephalography (EEG) sensors and an eye-tracking system. Participants were asked to use six different breathing patterns while performing reaction time tasks, after which the researchers analyzed 122 data sets.

The results were impressive: during inhalation, subjects reacted 20-50 milliseconds faster than during exhalation. Moreover, breathing cycles influenced the performance of not only sensory tasks but also mental, mnemonic, and motor tasks. This discovery is fundamental for understanding brain function in various states.

Gamers quickly applied this scientific data to practice. Inhaling before leaving cover and then holding your breath during a firefight is now considered the optimal tactic in shooters. This technique allows one to utilize natural physiological mechanisms to improve accuracy and reaction time in critical moments. It remains to be seen whether professional eSports athletes will adopt this discovery in their official training.