Training Improves Divers' Ability to Detect Increased CO₂

Authors: Eynan, Mirit; Daskalovic, Yochanan I.; Arieli, Yehuda; Arieli, Ran; Shupak, Avi; Eilender, Esther; Kerem, Dan H.

Source: Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine, Volume 74, Number 5, May 2003 , pp. 537-545(9)

Publisher: Aerospace Medical Association

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Abstract:

Eynan M, Daskalovic YI, Arieli Y, Arieli R, Shupak A, Eilender E, Kerem DH. Training improves divers' ability to detect increased CO₂ . Aviat Space Environ Med 2003; 74:537-45.

Background: Elevated arterial Pco₂ (hypercapnia) is a known risk in diving with closed circuit breathing apparatus. In a retrospective study, we determined CO₂ retention and the ability to detect CO₂ in novice divers who were either CO₂-recognition-trained subjects (TS) or untrained subjects (UTS). Methods: Ventilatory and perceptual responses to variations in inspired CO₂ (range 0-5.6 kPa, 0-42 mm Hg) during moderate exercise were assessed in novice Israeli Navy divers on active duty. Tests were carried out on 231 TS and 213 UTS. Results: The minimal mean inspired Pco₂ that could be detected was 4.8 ± 1.6 kPa (36 ± 12 mm Hg) in UTS and 2.9 ± 0.7 kPa (22 ± 5 mm Hg) in TS (p < 0.0001). No significant changes were found in Petco₂ between the two groups during exposure to a Pico₂ of 5.6 kPa (42 mm Hg). There were 46 TS who were found to be CO₂ retainers (more than +1 SD above the mean) and 19 were classified as poor detectors (more than +1 SD above the mean). Seven subjects exhibited both traits. During actual oxygen diving performed later by this group, the only four cases of CNS-oxygen toxicity were among those seven subjects (p < 0.01). Conclusions: We conclude that CO₂ recognition training improves the diver's capability to detect CO₂. We suggest that a diver who is both a poor CO₂ detector and a CO₂ retainer will be prone to CNS-oxygen toxicity.

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Keywords: hypercapnia; CO2 detection; CO2 retention; hyperbaric oxygen

Document Type: Research article

Publication date: 2003-05-01

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The peer-reviewed monthly journal, Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine (ASEM) provides contact with physicians, life scientists, bioengineers, and medical specialists working in both basic medical research and in its clinical applications. It is the most used and cited journal in its field. ASEM is distributed to more than 80 nations.
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