Proposal of a new scoring system for equalization problems during freediving

Area of Science:

• Diving Medicine
• Physiology
• Otolaryngology

Background:

• Scuba diving and freediving are increasingly popular, leading to more diving-related pathologies.
• Effective equalization is crucial for freedivers, yet no standardized scoring system exists for these disorders.
• Equalization problems and barotraumas are common among divers, impacting their ability to dive safely.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and validate a novel scoring system, the EP score, for assessing equalization problems in freedivers.
• To evaluate the reliability and diagnostic utility of the EP score in distinguishing between affected and healthy freedivers.
• To assess the EP score's effectiveness in monitoring treatment outcomes for equalization disorders.

Main Methods:

• The EP score was administered to 40 Italian freedivers, divided into two groups: 20 with equalization issues and 20 healthy controls.
• Group A included individuals with a history of barotraumas and failed prior treatments, who underwent Eustachian tube balloon dilation.
• Statistical analysis was performed to determine the scoring system's reliability and clinical usefulness.

Main Results:

• The EP score demonstrated significant statistical differences between freedivers with and without equalization disorders (Z-Score = -5.396, p < 0.05).
• No significant statistical difference was observed between healthy freedivers and those successfully treated with Eustachian tube balloon dilation (U-value = 152.5, Z-Score = -1.271, p < 0.05).
• These findings suggest the EP score accurately reflects the status of equalization abilities.

Conclusions:

• The EP score is a reliable tool for quantifying equalization disorders in freediving.
• It can effectively track changes in equalization difficulties over time and assess treatment efficacy.
• The EP score's potential applicability extends to broader populations experiencing similar equalization issues.