Abstract
We studied the effects of an experimental saturation dive to 360 and 450 m in a simulation chamber on spirometric lung function, diffusing capacity, pulmonary compliance, and exercise performance in eight professional divers (age 22–40 years). To assess intraindividual variability, all parameters were measured on 2 days before and on 2 consecutive days immediately after the dive. For the group as a whole there was a significant increase in vital capacity and alveolar volume, and a decrease in Krogh factor and specific compliance (P<0.01) . These changes were reduced on the 2nd day after the dive. All subjects showed lowered exercise performance after the dive. Arterial pressure of oxygen and ventilation during exercise increased (P<0.01), whereas arterial pressure of carbon dioxide, oxygen uptake, and anaerobic threshold decreased (P<0.01). Exercise parameters showed only a slight trend towards pre-dive values on the 2nd day after a dive. The individual analysis revealed that after the dive two subjects showed a marked decrease in diffusing capacity and a more than average decrease in Krogh factor (TLCO/VA). One of them had signs of mild decompression sickness and the other, signs of pre-existing obstructive airways disease. Our data are compatible with the hypothesis that the effects of a single deep saturation dive on pulmonary function and exercise performance are the results of counteracting mechanisms. We suggest that lung volumes increase due to the enhanced work of breathing during a deep saturation dive and that these changes could mask an impairment in gas exchange. Furthermore, a saturation dive can induce an apparent deterioration of pulmonary function.
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Received: 23 January 1996/Accepted: 11 March 1996
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Lehnigk, B., Jörres, R., Elliott, D. et al. Effects of a single saturation dive on lung function and exercise performance. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 69, 201–208 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/s004200050137
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s004200050137