Open AccessEffects of a Demand-Valve SCUBA Regulator on Cardiorespiratory Response During Submaximal Exercise Under Normobaric Conditions: A Preliminary Investigation
Author(s) -
Christopher S. Kovacs,
Camille Dhom
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
international journal of aquatic research and education
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1932-9997
pISSN - 1932-9253
DOI - 10.25035/ijare.13.04.02
Subject(s) - scuba diving , cardiorespiratory fitness , heart rate , rating of perceived exertion , medicine , physical therapy , blood pressure , respiratory rate , cardiology , breathing , anesthesia , oceanography , geology
SCUBA diving fatalities are often related to cardiac events triggered by stress linked to equipment. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the effects of a SCUBA regulator on cardiorespiratory exercise at a submaximal workload. Ten participants (mean = 21.5 yrs; s.d. = 1.16) completed two submaximal exercise tests at 1 ATA; one while breathing normally and a second while breathing directly from a demand valve SCUBA regulator. Total time to test completion (TOT), heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and arterial oxygen levels were all assessed. No significant differences between conditions were found for measures of TOT, heart rate, blood pressure, RPE, and arterial oxygen measures. Statistical analysis suggested that use of a SCUBA regulator itself did not affect exercise tolerance or increase cardiorespiratory stress at submaximal workloads. Several anecdotal observations in HR, BP, TOT, and RPE responses suggested further research is warranted.