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Influence of the diving wetsuit on standard spirometry
Nico Am Schellart1, Wouter Sterk2
1Foundation for Dive Research (SDR), Amsterdam, The Netherlands, Biomedical Engineering and Physics, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. n.a.schellart@amc.uva.nl.
Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine
|October 11, 2016
Summary
Wetsuits can negatively impact lung function tests, specifically reducing forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1). Divers should be aware of potential pulmonary risks associated with tight or thick wetsuits.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Sports Medicine
- Pulmonary Function Testing
Background:
- Wetsuits exert external pressure on the body, potentially affecting respiratory mechanics.
- Spirometry measures lung function, including forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of wetsuit pressure on spirometric variables.
- To determine if age, suit thickness, or suit type modify the effect of wetsuits on lung function.
Main Methods:
- Spirometry was conducted on 28 volunteers (12 women, aged 27-69 years).
- The study assessed changes in FVC, FEV1, peak expiratory flow (PEF), and FEF25-75.
Main Results:
- Wetsuit use significantly reduced FVC (-4.0%) and FEV1 (-3.6%), with a trend for PEF reduction (-2.4%).
- The FEV1/FVC ratio remained unchanged.
- The observed lung function changes were comparable to approximately 3.5 years of aging; however, age, suit thickness, and type did not significantly influence these results.
Conclusions:
- Wetsuits can impair ventilatory mechanics, potentially posing a pulmonary risk.
- Medical examiners and divers should consider wetsuit fit and thickness as potential risk factors for lung health during diving activities.
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