On-Land Validation of the Underwater Metabolic Assessment System (UMAS)
Abstract
The recent increase in underwater research has produced an accompanying need for methods to assess energy and ventilatory requirements of diving activities. In response, The Defence and Civil Institute of Environmental Medicine (DCIEM) designed and built the Underwater Metabolic Assessment System (UMAS). It consisted of a low-resistance, open-circuit, bag-in-box breathing apparatus and its main feature was its compact size allowing it to be worn on a diver's back in water or in air. Moreover, it was simple, adjustable, and allowed control of respiratory hydrostatic loading. The results of a study to validate its on-land (dry) performance by comparing the results to the performance of a commercially available standard metabolic cart (Jaeger Ergo-Oxyscreen) are described. Nine male volunteers, aged 26-36, participated in these steady state and maximal exercise trials. Expiratory tidal volume and expired fractions of carbon dioxide and oxygen were measured. Values for oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide production and ventilation were then calculated for both the UMAS and the metabolic cart. In all cases, the relationships between the two systems were highly correlated and significant. The UMAS proved to be a reliable and accurate system for on-land measurement of metabolic and respiratory parameters. Canada.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA204305
Entities
People
- D. Eaton
- S. M. Fairburn
- T. T. Romet
Organizations
- DRDC Toronto