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Physiological effects of mixed-gas deep sea dives using a closed-circuit rebreather: a field pilot study
Dugrenot, E.; Balestra, C.; Gouin, E.; L'Her, E.; Guerrero, F. (2021). Physiological effects of mixed-gas deep sea dives using a closed-circuit rebreather: a field pilot study. Europ. J. Appl. Physiol. 121(12): 3323-3331. https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00421-021-04798-y
In: European Journal of Applied Physiology. Springer: Berlin. ISSN 1439-6319; e-ISSN 1439-6327, more
Peer reviewed article  

Available in  Authors 

Author keywords
    Scuba; Spirometry; Closed circuit rebreather; Heart rate variability

Authors  Top 
  • Dugrenot, E.
  • Balestra, C., more
  • Gouin, E.
  • L'Her, E.
  • Guerrero, F.

Abstract

    Purpose

    Deep diving using mixed gas with closed-circuit rebreathers (CCRs) is increasingly common. However, data regarding the effects of these dives are still scarce. This preliminary field study aimed at evaluating the acute effects of deep (90–120 msw) mixed-gas CCR bounce dives on lung function in relation with other physiological parameters.

    Methods

    Seven divers performed a total of sixteen open-sea CCR dives breathing gas mixture of helium, nitrogen and oxygen (trimix) within four days at 2 depths (90 and 120 msw). Spirometric parameters, SpO2, body mass, hematocrit, short term heart rate variability (HRV) and critical flicker fusion frequency (CFFF) were measured at rest 60 min before the dive and 120 min after surfacing.

    Results

    The median [1st–3rd quartile] of the forced vital capacity was lower (84% [76–93] vs 91% [74–107] of predicted values; p = 0.029), whereas FEV1/FVC was higher (98% [95–99] vs 95% [89–99]; p = 0.019) after than before the dives. The other spirometry values and SpO2 were unchanged. Body mass decreased from 73.5 kg (72.0–89.6) before the dives to 70.0 kg (69.2–85.8) after surfacing (p = 0.001), with no change of hematocrit or CFFT. HRV was increased as indicated by the higher SDNN, RMSSD and pNN50 after than before dives.

    Conclusion

    The present observation represents the first original data regarding the effects of deep repeated CCR dives. The body mass loss and decrease of FVC after bounce dives at depth of about 100 msw may possibly impose an important physiological stress for the divers.


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