ADAPTATION TO BREATH-HOLD DIVING
Abstract
Long range studies were made on instructors at the Escape Training Tank, Submarine Base, Groton, Conn. It was found that the instructors develop physiological adaptation to breath-hold diving during their tour of duty. For example: (1) The total lung capacity increased and the residual volume decreased, resulting in a larger ratio of total lung capacity to residual volume and anatomical dead space. Due to these changes in lung volumes, the instructors increased their maximal attainable depth from 87 feet to 112 feet. (2) The instructors also develop a larger tolerance to increased carbon dioxide and lowered oxygen. This form of adaptation is similar to those of diving animals. (3) Blood pressure response to mecholyl injection studied in divers as compared with laboratory personnel and it was found that there was significantly smaller response in the divers, suggesting an increased resistance to stress.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 20, 1966
- Accession Number
- AD0638451
Entities
People
- Karl E. Schaefer