Pyridostigmine and Warm Water Diving Protocol 90-05. 4. Physical Performance
Abstract
The effect of pretreatment with pyridostigmine on exercise performance was studied on 10 heat-acclimated divers performing light to moderate work for 3 h in 34.4 C (94 F) water at a depth of 20 feet of seawater (fsw) (1.6 ATA). Dives began after a 4-hour surface exposure in 37.8 C (100 F) air. Handgrip strength was measured during the predive period. Each subject was tested twice, in a balanced order among subjects. One trial was conducted after pretreatment with pyridostigmine bromide (PYR) for 2 days (30 mg, every 8 h). The second trial was done after receiving a placebo (PLA) over a similar time course. An interval of 5 days elapsed between trials. During both trials subjects breathed 100% oxygen (PO 2 = 1.6 TAT) at depth. A third trial was subsequently conducted, in the absence of drug and while breathing air at 20 fsw, to determine whether air or 100% )2 provided a Cardiorespiratory advantage during warm water exercise. Leg exercise was conducted using an electronically braked cycle ergometer. These findings indicate that pretreatment with pyridostigmine does not limit the capability to perform light-moderate exercise in warm water. Furthermore, breathing air instead of 100% O2 does not appreciably modify the cardiorespiratory responses to this exercise paradigm.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA231431
Entities
People
- J. R. Roberts
- N. A. Taylor
- N. E. Holmes
- R. P. Weinberg
- Thomas J. Doubt
Organizations
- Naval Medical Research Center