The influence of diving variables on perceptual and cognitive functions in professional shallow-water (abalone)...

Shallow-water diving is regarded as a hazardous occupation due to such dangers as decompression sickness and carbon monoxide poisoning. Recent studies have demonstrated impairments in the neurological and neurobehavioral functioning of professional shallow-water divers, yet the reasons for these deficits are not clear. In this study 80 professional abalone divers were studied using a range of neurobehavioral tests and questioned closely on their diving experience. Multiple linear regression analysis was then performed to determine the extent to which characteristics of the diver's occupation influenced neurobehavioral impairment. The results demonstrated that divers who were at greatest risk of decompression sickness due to their diving technique showed the clearest functional impairments. In particular problems of visual function, psychomotor abilities, and short-term memory were most evident. It appears that professional shallow-water diving is not necessarily a hazardous occupation provided that safe diving practices are observed. However, divers who fail to observe these practices and put themselves at risk of decompression sickness are likely to have impairments in neurobehavioral function which affect their everyday life, and more importantly their responses in emergency situations.