A study on the Valsalva manoeuvre in young healthy subjects

The Valsalva manoeuvre was performed by 2 groups of young healthy male subjects: novice divers and professional divers. The electrophysiological features of this manoeuvre are summarized and the results of the test are correlated with subject age, motivation and FEV1/VC coefficient (forced expiratory volume sec/vital capacity). Positive test results (fainting caused by the Valsalva manoeuvre) increased with subject motivation (novice divers), FEV1/VC coefficient and decreasing subject age. The various hypotheses proposed to account for fainting caused by the Valsalva manoeuvre are discussed with respect to these data. The implications of Valsalva positivity in young divers are discussed.