Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026

Assessment of Pulmonary Capillary Blood Volume, Membrane Diffusing Capacity, and Intrapulmonary Arteriovenous Anastomoses During Exercise
Published on: February 20, 2017
Exercise during decompression reduces the amount of venous gas emboli
L W Jankowski1, R Y Nishi, D J Eaton
1Exercise Science Department, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Abstract:
To determine the effects of moderate, intermittent exercise during decompression on the Doppler detectable amount of venous gas emboli (VGE), 29 healthy male volunteers performed 44 wet (8 degrees +/- 2 degrees C) dives to 45 msw (450 kPa) for 30 min with standard air decompression. During compression and the bottom period, all subjects were inactive; during decompression, 28 remained inactive, 11 performed leg exercise, and 5 did arm exercise. Intermittent exercise was controlled at approximately 50% of each subject's arm or leg aerobic capacity. At 30-min intervals after surfacing, subjects were monitored with a Doppler ultrasonic bubble detector. The Doppler scores were used to calculate the Kisman Integrated Severity Score (KISS). The KISS were log transformed (with zeroes being equivalent to log 0.01) and analyzed with a one-way analysis of variance. No significant differences (P < or = .05) between mean KISS scores after arm or leg exercise were observed, thus these data were pooled and compared to those of the inactive controls. The mean pooled KISS after exercising during decompression were significantly lower than those of the inactive controls. Moderate, intermittent exercise during decompression apparently reduces the amount of Doppler-detectable VGE after diving. The incidence rate of decompression sickness in both groups was not significantly different (P < 0.05).
Related Concept Videos
Venous Return
What is Venous Return?
Venous return refers to the rate at which blood flows back to the heart from the body's peripheral veins. It's an integral part of the circulatory system as it...
Pulmonary Cycle: Exhalation
Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction
Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care
Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care

