Related Experiment Videos
Nerve conduction velocity in man during deep diving to 360 msw.
1Department of Neurology, Haukeland Hospital, University of Bergen, Norway.
Undersea Biomedical Research
|January 1, 1989
Summary
High pressure during simulated dives affects nerve function in divers. Both fast sensory nerve conduction and distal motor latency changed significantly with increased hyperbaric pressure and decreased skin temperature.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Hyperbaric Medicine
- Physiology
Background:
- Understanding the effects of extreme environments on human physiology is crucial for safety.
- Diving to significant depths involves exposure to high pressures and altered gas mixtures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the functional changes in sensory and motor median nerves of divers under simulated deep-sea diving conditions.
- To determine the impact of hyperbaric pressure and temperature on nerve conduction.
Main Methods:
- Six divers were studied during a simulated dive to 360 meters of seawater (msw) using a helium-oxygen (heliox) breathing gas.
- Nerve function was assessed using superficial electrodes at various pressures (5-360 msw) and skin temperatures (29.2-35.2°C).
- Evaluated parameters included fast and slow sensory nerve conduction and distal motor latency.
Main Results:
- Fast sensory nerve conduction velocity decreased with increasing hyperbaric pressure and decreasing skin temperature.
- Distal motor latency increased with increasing hyperbaric pressure and decreasing skin temperature.
- The pressure's effect on nerve function was independent of temperature; slow sensory conduction and proximal nerve trunk function showed no significant changes.
Conclusions:
- Hyperbaric pressure and reduced skin temperature significantly impair sensory and motor median nerve function in divers.
- These findings highlight potential neurological risks associated with deep diving and underscore the need for further research into protective measures.