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Responses to underwater exercise in scuba divers differing in trait anxiety
J S Raglin1, P J O'Connor, N Carlson
1Department of Kinesiology Indiana University-Bloomington, USA.
Summary
High trait anxiety in scuba divers may lead to a lower breathing rate during underwater exercise. This finding suggests targeted interventions for divers prone to panic.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Psychophysiology
- Diving Science
Background:
- Trait anxiety is a personality trait that can influence physiological responses.
- Scuba diving involves physiological and psychological stressors.
- Understanding anxiety's impact on divers is crucial for safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between trait anxiety and physiological/perceptual responses during underwater exercise in male scuba divers.
- To compare the exercise responses of high trait anxious divers with low trait anxious divers.
Main Methods:
- Fifteen male scuba divers underwent 20 minutes of steady-state underwater leg ergometer exercise.
- Physiological measures (oxygen consumption, CO2 production, ventilation, breathing rate, heart rate) were recorded.
- Perceptual measures (effort, breathing discomfort) were assessed.
Main Results:
- All physiological and perceptual variables increased with exercise (P < 0.05).
- A significant group difference was found in respiration rate (P < 0.05).
- High trait anxious divers exhibited a lower respiration rate (7.4 fewer breaths/min) compared to low trait anxious divers.
Conclusions:
- Trait anxiety may influence respiratory patterns during strenuous underwater activity.
- Findings suggest potential implications for managing panic risk in anxious divers.
- Intervention strategies may be beneficial for divers with high trait anxiety.