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Effects of submersion on V̇O2: comparing maximum aerobic exertion on land and underwater

Effects of submersion on V̇O2: comparing maximum aerobic exertion on land and underwater

 

 

Authors:

Nicholas C. Bartlett (Medical Student, DMT)

Duke University School of Medicine, Center for Hyperbaric Medicine & Environmental Physiology, Durham, NC, USA

Matthew S. Makowski (M.D.)

Dept. of Medicine and Anesthesiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA

Mary C. Ellis (M.D.)

Depts. of Emergency Medicine and Anesthesiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA

Michael J. Natoli (MS, CHT)

Administrative Director, Center for Hyperbaric Medicine & Environmental Physiology, Durham, NC, USA

Grace H. Maggiore (Research Assistant)

Center for Hyperbaric Medicine & Environmental Physiology, Durham, NC, USA

Mary C. Wright (MS, Biostatistician)

Center for Hyperbaric Medicine & Environmental Physiology, Durham, NC, USA

Bruce J. Derrick (M.D.)

Depts. of Emergency Medicine and Anesthesiology, Center for Hyperbaric Medicine & Environmental Physiology, Durham, NC, USA

Richard E. Moon (M.D.)

Depts. of Medicine and Anesthesiology

Medical Director, Center for Hyperbaric Medicine & Environmental Physiology, Durham, NC, USA

 

Keywords: Diving, submersed, oxygen consumption, preload, minute ventilation

Title: Effects of submersion on V̇O2: comparing maximum aerobic exertion on land and underwater

SHORT, RUNNING TITLE: COMPARING MAXIMAL AEROBIC EXERTION ON LAND AND UNDERWATER.

ABSTRACT

 

Introduction: Submersion results in blood redistribution into the pulmonary circulation, causing changes in pulmonary compliance and increased cardiac preload. Few studies have compared incremental exercise to exhaustion (V̇O2maxtesting) in a dry environment with exercise underwater. We hypothesized that the physiological effects of submersion would result in lower heart rate (HR), minute ventilation (V̇E), and peak oxygen uptake (V̇O2 peak) compared with dry conditions.

Methods: Fourteen male and four female volunteers completed two V̇O2peak testing sessions with approximately two hours between trials: first in the dry laboratory on a cycle ergometer and second while fully submersed in a prone position with zero static lung load. HR was monitored via ECG, and inspiratory and expiratory gas compositions were recorded using a metabolic cart. The tests were terminated once the subject reached exhaustion. 

Results:  Absolute V̇O2peak was lower in the submersed V̇O2max trial (37.1 ± 7.0 mL•kg-1•min-1) compared with dry exercise (45.8 ± 8.9 mL•kg-1•min-1) p < 0.001. HR and V̇E were also lower in the submersed trial.

Conclusions: V̇O2peak while submersed is reduced relative to dry V̇O2peak , which may be partly due to a decrease in heart rate and a reduction in V̇E.

Keywords: diving; minute ventilation; oxygen consumption; preload; submersed

Key points

  1. Few studies have compared dry V̇O2peaktesting with submersed V̇O2peak. 
  2. V̇O2peak, heart rate, and ventilation were reduced in submersed conditions relative to dry. 

 

DOI:10.22462/661