Breath-hold training (BHT) is an intervention involving voluntary apnea that induces physiological stress. In recent years, it has garnered significant attention in both neuroscience and sports medicine. Research indicates that by inducing a controlled state of hypoxia and hypercapnia, BHT activates compensatory mechanisms against oxygen deprivation, substantially enhancing the adaptive capacity of respiratory, circulatory, and nervous systems. Its unique physiological stress effects suggest that this practice may serve as a novel, non-invasive strategy for cerebral hypoxic preconditioning, offering potential benefits for preventing and treating conditions like ischemic cerebrovascular diseases. This article reviews relevant studies on BHT to provide a comprehensive reference for further research and practical applications in this field.