COLDEX-86: Fluid and Electrolyte Changes during Prolonged Cold Water Immersion
Abstract
Dehydration and hypothermia are major inhibitors of diver performance in cold water. To characterize the dehydration that accompanies cold water immersion, 16 U.S. Navy divers participated in two 5-day air saturation dives (ASD) at a depth of 6.1 meters sea water (msw). During each ASD, divers completed two immersions in 5 C water: one began at 1000 h (AM) and the other at 2200 h (PM); a period of 54 h separated the immersions. Divers wore dry suits for thermal protection, and full face masks during immersions that lasted 3-6 h. All divers consumed identical diets. Blood samples were collected before and after each immersion, and urine was collected for 24 h in three separate periods on immersion days: for 12 h prior to immersion, during immersion, and after immersion until the end of the 24 h period. Plasma volume decreased significantly by approximately 17% during both AM and PM immersions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA233768
Entities
People
- B. L. Smoak
- D. J. Smith
- L. C. Montgomery
- P. A. Deuster
- Thomas J. Doubt
Organizations
- Naval Medical Research Center