Apnea Diving: Long-Term Neurocognitive Sequelae of Repeated Hypoxemia

Authors: Ridgway, Lynne; McFarland, Ken

Source: The Clinical Neuropsychologist (Neuropsychology, Development and Cognition: Sec, Volume 20, Number 1, February 2006 , pp. 160-176(17)

Publisher: Psychology Press, part of the Taylor & Francis Group

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Abstract:

This article examines the neurocognitive sequelae of repeated exposure to hypoxemia in apnea (breath-hold) divers. A brief review of the literature on the physiological and neurological adaptations involved in the “human diving reflex” is presented. The results from a neuropsychological investigation of N = 21 elite apnea divers are evaluated. Standard neuropsychological tests, with known sensitivity to mild brain insults, included speed of visuo-motor responding, speed of language comprehension, response inhibition, and visual and verbal attention and recall tasks. Results indicated that the breath-hold divers performed tasks within the average range compared to norms on all tests, suggesting that 1-20 years of repeated exposure to hypoxemia including multiple adverse neurological events did not impact on performance on standard neuropsychological tasks. The results are discussed in relation to implications for clinical conditions such as sleep apnea, respiratory disorders, altitude sickness, and recreational apnea activities.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13854040590947407

Affiliations: 1: University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, Australia

Publication date: 2006-02-01