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Related Experiment Videos

The human dive reflex: an experimental, topographical and physiological analysis.

B E Hurwitz, J J Furedy

    Physiology & Behavior
    |January 1, 1986
    PubMed
    Summary

    The human dive reflex requires both face immersion and breath-holding in cold water. This combined stimulus triggers significant heart rate reduction and vasoconstriction, indicating dual autonomic nervous system activation.

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    Area of Science:

    • Physiology
    • Human autonomic nervous system function

    Background:

    • The dive reflex is a physiological response to cold water immersion.
    • Understanding its eliciting conditions and autonomic control is crucial for physiological research.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the specific conditions required to elicit the human dive reflex.
    • To analyze the autonomic nervous system (ANS) control mechanisms involved.
    • To explore potential therapeutic applications of the dive reflex.

    Main Methods:

    • Twenty-four subjects underwent three conditions: breath-holding (BH), face immersion (FI), and combined face immersion and breath-holding (FIBH) in 23°C water.
    • Physiological responses, including heart rate and digital vasoconstriction, were monitored.
    • Autonomic nervous system activity was assessed via heart rate and T-wave amplitude.

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    Main Results:

    • The dive reflex was reliably elicited only by the combined FIBH condition.
    • A distinct secondary response component emerged around 12 seconds into FIBH trials.
    • Significant bradycardia (16.3 bpm reduction) and digital vasoconstriction (-24.9%) were observed during FIBH.
    • Concurrent sympathetic and parasympathetic activation was indicated by ANS measures.

    Conclusions:

    • The dive reflex in humans necessitates both face immersion and breath-holding in cool water.
    • The reflex involves complex ANS activation, including both sympathetic and parasympathetic branches.
    • The dive reflex may have potential applications in managing conditions like paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia.