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Vezzoli A, Mrakic-Sposta S, Brizzolari A, Balestra C, Camporesi EM, Bosco G. Oxy-Inflammation in Humans during Underwater Activities. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3060. [PMID: 38474303 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25053060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2024] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Underwater activities are characterized by an imbalance between reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (RONS) and antioxidant mechanisms, which can be associated with an inflammatory response, depending on O2 availability. This review explores the oxidative stress mechanisms and related inflammation status (Oxy-Inflammation) in underwater activities such as breath-hold (BH) diving, Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus (SCUBA) and Closed-Circuit Rebreather (CCR) diving, and saturation diving. Divers are exposed to hypoxic and hyperoxic conditions, amplified by environmental conditions, hyperbaric pressure, cold water, different types of breathing gases, and air/non-air mixtures. The "diving response", including physiological adaptation, cardiovascular stress, increased arterial blood pressure, peripheral vasoconstriction, altered blood gas values, and risk of bubble formation during decompression, are reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Vezzoli
- Institute of Clinical Physiology-National Research Council (CNR-IFC), 20142 Milano, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Simona Mrakic-Sposta
- Institute of Clinical Physiology-National Research Council (CNR-IFC), 20142 Milano, Italy
| | - Andrea Brizzolari
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Costantino Balestra
- Environmental, Occupational, Aging (Integrative) Physiology Laboratory, Haute Ecole Bruxelles-Brabant (HE2B), 1160 Brussels, Belgium
- Physical Activity Teaching Unit, Motor Sciences Department, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1050 Brussels, Belgium
- DAN Europe Research Division (Roseto-Brussels), 1160 Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Gerardo Bosco
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
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Andrade DC, Arce‐Álvarez A, Salazar‐Ardiles C, Toledo C, Guerrero‐Henriquez J, Alvarez C, Vasquez‐Muñoz M, Izquierdo M, Millet GP. Hypoxic peripheral chemoreflex stimulation-dependent cardiorespiratory coupling is decreased in swimmer athletes. Physiol Rep 2024; 12:e15890. [PMID: 38195247 PMCID: PMC10776339 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.15890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Swimmer athletes showed a decreased ventilatory response and reduced sympathetic activation during peripheral hypoxic chemoreflex stimulation. Based on these observations, we hypothesized that swimmers develop a diminished cardiorespiratory coupling due to their decreased hypoxic peripheral response. To resolve this hypothesis, we conducted a study using coherence time-varying analysis to assess the cardiorespiratory coupling in swimmer athletes. We recruited 12 trained swimmers and 12 control subjects for our research. We employed wavelet time-varying spectral coherence analysis to examine the relationship between the respiratory frequency (Rf ) and the heart rate (HR) time series during normoxia and acute chemoreflex activation induced by five consecutive inhalations of 100% N2 . Comparing swimmers to control subjects, we observed a significant reduction in the hypoxic ventilatory responses to N2 in swimmers (0.012 ± 0.001 vs. 0.015 ± 0.001 ΔVE /ΔVO2 , and 0.365 ± 0.266 vs. 1.430 ± 0.961 ΔVE /ΔVCO2 /ΔSpO2 , both p < 0.001, swimmers vs. control, respectively). Furthermore, the coherence at the LF cutoff during hypoxia was significantly lower in swimmers compared to control subjects (20.118 ± 3.502 vs. 24.935 ± 3.832 area under curve [AUC], p < 0.012, respectively). Our findings strongly indicate that due to their diminished chemoreflex control, swimmers exhibited a substantial decrease in cardiorespiratory coupling during hypoxic stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- David C. Andrade
- Exercise Applied Physiology Laboratory, Centro de Investigación en Fisiología y Medicina de Altura (FIMEDALT), Departamento Biomedico, Facultad de Ciencias de la SaludUniversidad de AntofagastaAntofagastaChile
| | - Alexis Arce‐Álvarez
- Escuela de Kinesiología, Facultad de Odontología y Ciencias de la RehabilitaciónUniversidad San SebastiánSantiagoChile
| | - Camila Salazar‐Ardiles
- Exercise Applied Physiology Laboratory, Centro de Investigación en Fisiología y Medicina de Altura (FIMEDALT), Departamento Biomedico, Facultad de Ciencias de la SaludUniversidad de AntofagastaAntofagastaChile
- NavarrabiomedHospital Universitario de Navarra (UHN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), IdiSNAPamplonaNavarraSpain
| | - Camilo Toledo
- Laboratory of Cardiorespiratory and Sleep Physiology. Institute of Physiology. Faculty of MedicineUniversidad Austral de ChileValdiviaChile
| | - Juan Guerrero‐Henriquez
- Centro de Investigación en Fisiología y Medicina de Altura (FIMEDALT), Departamento de Ciencias de la Rehabilitación y el Movimiento Humano, Facultad de Ciencias de la SaludUniversidad de AntofagastaAntofagastaChile
| | - Cristian Alvarez
- Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation SciencesUniversidad Andres BelloSantiagoChile
| | - Manuel Vasquez‐Muñoz
- Dirección de Docencia de Especialidades Médicas, Dirección de Postgrado, Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias de la SaludUniversidad MayorSantiagoChile
| | - Mikel Izquierdo
- NavarrabiomedHospital Universitario de Navarra (UHN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), IdiSNAPamplonaNavarraSpain
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Abstract
Pulmonary physiology is significantly altered during underwater exposure, as immersion of the body and increased ambient pressure elicit profound effects on both the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Thoracic blood pooling, increased breathing gas pressures, and variations in gas volumes alongside ambient pressure changes put the heart and lungs under stress. Normal physiologic function and fitness of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems are prerequisites to safely cope with the challenges of the underwater environment when freediving, or diving with underwater breathing apparatus. Few physicians are trained to understand the physiology and medicine of diving and how to recognize or manage diving injuries. This article provides an overview of the physiologic challenges to the respiratory system during diving, with or without breathing apparatus, and outlines possible health risks and hazards unique to the underwater environment. The underlying pathologic mechanisms of dive-related injuries are reviewed, with an emphasis on pulmonary physiology and pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kay Tetzlaff
- Department of Sports Medicine, University Hospital of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
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Paganini M, Moon RE, Giacon TA, Cialoni D, Martani L, Zucchi L, Garetto G, Talamonti E, Camporesi EM, Bosco G. Relative hypoxemia at depth during breath-hold diving investigated through arterial blood gas analysis and lung ultrasound. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2023; 135:863-871. [PMID: 37650139 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00777.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary gas exchange in breath-hold diving (BHD) consists of a progressive increase in arterial partial pressures of oxygen ([Formula: see text]) and carbon dioxide ([Formula: see text]) during descent. However, recent findings have demonstrated that [Formula: see text] does not consistently rise in all subjects. This study aimed at verifying and explaining [Formula: see text] derangements during BHD analyzing arterial blood gases and searching for pulmonary alterations with lung ultrasound. After ethical approval, 14 fit breath-hold divers were included. Experiments were performed in warm water (temperature: 31°C). We analyzed arterial blood gases immediately before, at depth, and immediately after a breath-hold dive to -15 m of fresh water (mfw) and -42 mfw. Signs of lung interstitial edema and atelectasis were searched simultaneously with a marinized lung ultrasound. In five subjects (-15 mfw) and four subjects (-42 mfw), the [Formula: see text] at depth seems to decrease instead of increasing. [Formula: see text] and lactate showed slight variations. At depth, no lung ultrasound alterations were seen except in one subject (hypoxemia and B-lines at -15 mfw; B-lines at the surface). Lung interstitial edema was detected in 3 and 12 subjects after resurfacing from -15 to -42 mfw, respectively. Two subjects developed hypoxemia at depth and a small lung atelectasis (a focal pleural irregularity of triangular shape, surrounded by thickened B-lines) after resurfacing from -42 mfw. Current experiments confirmed that some BH divers can experience hypoxemia at depth. The hypothesized explanation for such a discrepancy is lung atelectasis, which could not be detected in all subjects probably due to limited time available at depth.NEW & NOTEWORTHY During breath-hold diving, arterial partial pressure of oxygen ([Formula: see text]) and arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide ([Formula: see text]) are believed to increase progressively during descent, as explained by theory, previous end-tidal alveolar gas measurements, and arterial blood gas analysis in hyperbaric chambers. Recent experiments in real underwater environment found a paradoxical [Formula: see text] drop at depth in some divers. This work confirms that some breath-hold divers can experience hypoxemia at depth. The hypothesized explanation for such a discrepancy is lung atelectasis, as suggested by lung ultrasound findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Paganini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Richard E Moon
- Department of Anesthesiology, Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Environmental Physiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States
| | | | - Danilo Cialoni
- Europe Research Division, Divers Alert Network (DAN), Roseto degli Abruzzi, Italy
| | - Luca Martani
- Hyperbaric Medicine Unit, Vaio Hospital, Fidenza, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Zucchi
- Emergency Medicine Residency Program, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Ennio Talamonti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Enrico M Camporesi
- TEAMHealth Research Institute, Tampa General Hospital, Tampa, Florida, United States
| | - Gerardo Bosco
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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Cialoni D, Brizzolari A, Sponsiello N, Lancellotti V, Bosco G, Marroni A, Barassi A. Serum Amino Acid Profile Changes After Repetitive Breath-Hold Dives: A Preliminary Study. SPORTS MEDICINE - OPEN 2022; 8:80. [PMID: 35723766 PMCID: PMC9209628 DOI: 10.1186/s40798-022-00474-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Background The aim of this work was to investigate the serum amino acid (AA) changes after a breath-hold diving (BH-diving) training session under several aspects including energy need, fatigue tolerance, nitric oxide (NO) production, antioxidant synthesis and hypoxia adaptation. Twelve trained BH-divers were investigated during an open sea training session and sampled for blood 30 min before the training session, 30 min and 4 h after the training session. Serum samples were assayed for AA changes related to energy request (alanine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, proline threonine, valine), fatigue tolerance (ornithine, phenylalanine, tyrosine), nitric oxide production (citrulline), antioxidant synthesis (cystine, glutamate, glycine) and hypoxia adaptation (serine, taurine). Main results Concerning the AA used as an energy support during physical effort, we found statistically significant decreases for all the investigated AA at T1 and a gradual return to the basal value at T2 even if alanine, proline and theonine still showed a slight significant reduction at this time. Also, the changes related to the AA involved in tolerance to physical effort showed a statistically significant decrease only at T1 respect to pre-diving value and a returned to normal value at T2. Citrulline, involved in NO production, showed a clear significant reduction both at T1 and T2. Concerning AA involved in endogenous antioxidant synthesis, the behaviour of the three AA investigated is different: we found a statistically significant increase in cystine both at T1 and T2, while glycine showed a statistically significant reduction (T1 and T2). Glutamate did not show any statistical difference. Finally, we found a statistically significant decrease in the AA investigated in other hypoxia conditions serine and taurine (T1 and T2). Conclusions Our data seem to indicate that the energetic metabolic request is in large part supported by AA used as substrate for fuel metabolism and that also fatigue tolerance, NO production and antioxidant synthesis are supported by AA. Finally, there are interesting data related to the hypoxia stimulus that indirectly may confirm that the muscle apparatus works under strong exposure conditions notwithstanding the very short/low intensity of exercise, due to the intermittent hypoxia caused by repetitive diving.
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Kelly T, Brown C, Bryant-Ekstrand M, Lord R, Dawkins T, Drane A, Futral JE, Barak O, Dragun T, Stembridge M, Spajić B, Drviš I, Duke JW, Ainslie PN, Foster GE, Dujic Z, Lovering AT. Blunted hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction in apnoea divers. Exp Physiol 2022; 107:1225-1240. [PMID: 35993480 DOI: 10.1113/ep090326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
NEW FINDINGS What is new and noteworthy? What is the central question of this study? Does the hyperbaric, hypercapnic, acidotic, hypoxic stress of apnoea diving lead to greater pulmonary vasoreactivity and increased right-heart work in apnoea divers? What is the main finding and its importance? Compared to sex- and age-matched controls, Divers had a significantly lower change in total pulmonary resistance in response to short duration isocapnic hypoxia. With oral sildenafil (50 mg), there were no differences in total pulmonary resistance between groups, suggesting Divers can maintain normal pulmonary artery tone in hypoxic conditions. Blunted hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction may be beneficial during apnoea diving. ABSTRACT Competitive apnoea divers repetitively dive to depths beyond 50 m. During the final portions of ascent, Divers experience significant hypoxaemia. Additionally, hyperbaria during diving increases thoracic blood volume while simultaneously reducing lung volume, increasing pulmonary artery pressure. We hypothesized that Divers would have exaggerated hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction leading to increased right-heart work due to their repetitive hypoxaemia and hyperbaria, and that the administration of sildenafil would have a greater effect in reducing pulmonary resistance in Divers. We recruited 16 Divers and 16 age and sex matched non-diving controls (Controls). Using a double-blinded, placebo-controlled, cross-over design, participants were evaluated for normal cardiac and lung function, then their cardiopulmonary responses to 20-30 minutes of isocapnic hypoxia (end-tidal PO2 = 50 mm Hg) were measured one hour following ingestion of 50 mg sildenafil or placebo. Cardiac structure and cardiopulmonary function were similar at baseline. With placebo, Divers had a significantly smaller increase in total pulmonary resistance than controls after 20-30 minutes isocapnic hypoxia (Δ -3.85 ± 72.85 vs 73.74 ± 91.06 dynes/sec/cm-5 , p = .0222). With sildenafil, Divers and Controls had similarly blunted increases in total pulmonary resistance after 20-30 minutes of hypoxia. Divers also had a significantly lower systemic vascular resistance following sildenafil in normoxia. These data indicate that repetitive apnoea diving leads to a blunted hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction. We suggest this is a beneficial adaption allowing for increased cardiac output with reduced right heart work and thus reducing cardiac oxygen utilization under hypoxemic conditions. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler Kelly
- Department of Human Physiology, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, USA
| | - Courtney Brown
- Centre for Heart, Lung, and Vascular Health, School of Health and Exercise Sciences, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | | | - Rachel Lord
- School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, Wales, UK
| | - Tony Dawkins
- School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, Wales, UK
| | - Aimee Drane
- School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, Wales, UK
| | - Joel E Futral
- Department of Human Physiology, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, USA
| | - Otto Barak
- Department of Physiology, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Tanja Dragun
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Split School of Medicine, Split, Croatia
| | - Michael Stembridge
- School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, Wales, UK
| | - Boris Spajić
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ivan Drviš
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Joseph W Duke
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
| | - Philip N Ainslie
- Centre for Heart, Lung, and Vascular Health, School of Health and Exercise Sciences, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Glen E Foster
- Centre for Heart, Lung, and Vascular Health, School of Health and Exercise Sciences, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Zeljko Dujic
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Split School of Medicine, Split, Croatia
| | - Andrew T Lovering
- Department of Human Physiology, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, USA
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How to Survive 33 min after the Umbilical of a Saturation Diver Severed at a Depth of 90 msw? Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10030453. [PMID: 35326931 PMCID: PMC8956028 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10030453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
In 2012, a severe accident happened during the mission of a professional saturation diver working at a depth of 90 m in the North Sea. The dynamic positioning system of the diver support vessel crashed, and the ship drifted away from the working place, while one diver’s umbilical became snagged on a steel platform and was severed. After 33 min, he was rescued into the diving bell, without exhibiting any obvious neurological injury. In 2019, the media and a later ‘documentary’ film suggested that a miracle had happened to permit survival of the diver once his breathing gas supply was limited to only 5 min. Based on the existing data and phone calls with the diver concerned (Dc), the present case report tries to reconstruct, on rational grounds, how Dc could have survived after he was cut off from breathing gas, hot water, light and communication while 90 m deep at the bottom of the sea. Dc carried bail-out heliox (86/14) within two bottles (2 × 12 L × 300 bar: 7200 L). Calculating Dc’s varying per-minute breathing gas consumption over time, both the decreased viscosity of the helium mix and the pressure-related increase in viscosity did not exhibit a breathing gas gap. Based on the considerable respiratory heat loss, the core temperature was calculated to be as low as 28.8 °C to 27.2 °C after recovery in the diving bell. In accordance with the literature, such values would be associated with impaired or lost consciousness, respectively. Relocating Dc on the drilling template by using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), the transport of the victim to the bell and subsequent care in the hyperbaric chamber must be regarded as exemplary. We conclude that, based on rational arguments and available literature data, Dc’s healthy survival is not a miracle, as it can be convincingly explained by means of reliable data. Remaining with a breathing gas supply sufficient for five minutes only would not have ended in a miracle but would have ended in death by suffocation. Nevertheless, survival of such an accident may appear surprising, and probably the limit for a healthy outcome was very close. We conclude, in addition, that highly effective occupational safety measures, in particular the considerable bail-out heliox reserve, secured the healthy survival. Nevertheless, the victim’s survival is likely to be due to his excellent diving training, together with many years of diving routine. The rescue action of the second diver and Dc’s retrieval by the ROV operator are also suggestive of the behavior of carefully selected crew members with the high degree of professional qualification needed to correctly function in a hostile environment.
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A century of exercise physiology: key concepts on coupling respiratory oxygen flow to muscle energy demand during exercise. Eur J Appl Physiol 2022; 122:1317-1365. [PMID: 35217911 PMCID: PMC9132876 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-022-04901-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
After a short historical account, and a discussion of Hill and Meyerhof’s theory of the energetics of muscular exercise, we analyse steady-state rest and exercise as the condition wherein coupling of respiration to metabolism is most perfect. The quantitative relationships show that the homeostatic equilibrium, centred around arterial pH of 7.4 and arterial carbon dioxide partial pressure of 40 mmHg, is attained when the ratio of alveolar ventilation to carbon dioxide flow (\documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
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\begin{document}$${\dot{V}}_{A}/{\dot{V}}_{R}{CO}_{2}$$\end{document}V˙A/V˙RCO2) is − 21.6. Several combinations, exploited during exercise, of pertinent respiratory variables are compatible with this equilibrium, allowing adjustment of oxygen flow to oxygen demand without its alteration. During exercise transients, the balance is broken, but the coupling of respiration to metabolism is preserved when, as during moderate exercise, the respiratory system responds faster than the metabolic pathways. At higher exercise intensities, early blood lactate accumulation suggests that the coupling of respiration to metabolism is transiently broken, to be re-established when, at steady state, blood lactate stabilizes at higher levels than resting. In the severe exercise domain, coupling cannot be re-established, so that anaerobic lactic metabolism also contributes to sustain energy demand, lactate concentration goes up and arterial pH falls continuously. The \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
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\begin{document}$${\dot{V}}_{A}/{\dot{V}}_{R}{CO}_{2}$$\end{document}V˙A/V˙RCO2 decreases below − 21.6, because of ensuing hyperventilation, while lactate keeps being accumulated, so that exercise is rapidly interrupted. The most extreme rupture of the homeostatic equilibrium occurs during breath-holding, because oxygen flow from ambient air to mitochondria is interrupted. No coupling at all is possible between respiration and metabolism in this case.
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Paganini M, Moon RE, Boccalon N, Melloni GEM, Giacon TA, Camporesi EM, Bosco G. Blood Gas Analyses in Hyperbaric and Underwater Environments: A Systematic Review. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2021; 132:283-293. [PMID: 34941439 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00569.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pulmonary gas exchange during diving or in a dry hyperbaric environment is affected by increased breathing gas density and possibly water immersion. During free diving there is also the effect of apnea. Few studies have published blood gas data in underwater or hyperbaric environments: this review summarizes the available literature and was used to test the hypothesis that arterial PO2 under hyperbaric conditions can be predicted from blood gas measurement at 1 atmosphere assuming a constant arterial/alveolar PO2 ratio (a:A). METHODS A systematic search was performed on traditional sources including arterial blood gases obtained on humans in hyperbaric or underwater environments. The a:A was calculated at 1 atmosphere absolute (ATA). For each condition, predicted PaO2 at pressure was calculated using the 1 ATA a:A, and the measured PaO2 was plotted against the predicted value with Spearman correlation coefficients. RESULTS Of 3640 records reviewed, 30 studies were included: 25 were reports describing values obtained in hyperbaric chambers, and the remaining were collected while underwater. Increased inspired O2 at pressure resulted in increased PaO2, although underlying lung disease in patients treated with hyperbaric oxygen attenuated the rise. PaCO2 generally increased only slightly. In breath-hold divers, hyperoxemia generally occurred at maximum depth, with hypoxemia after surfacing. The a:A adequately predicted the PaO2 under various conditions: dry (r=0.993, p< 0.0001); rest vs. exercise (r=0.999, p< 0.0001); and breathing mixtures (r=0.995, p< 0.0001). CONCLUSION Pulmonary oxygenation under hyperbaric conditions can be reliably and accurately predicted from 1 ATA a:A measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Paganini
- Environmental Physiology and Medicine Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Richard E Moon
- Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Environmental Physiology, Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Nicole Boccalon
- Environmental Physiology and Medicine Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Giorgio E M Melloni
- TIMI Study Group, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Tommaso Antonio Giacon
- Environmental Physiology and Medicine Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Enrico M Camporesi
- TEAMHealth Anesthesia, Tampa General Hospital, Tampa, Florida, United States
| | - Gerardo Bosco
- Environmental Physiology and Medicine Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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Tetzlaff K, Lemaitre F, Burgstahler C, Luetkens JA, Eichhorn L. Going to Extremes of Lung Physiology-Deep Breath-Hold Diving. Front Physiol 2021; 12:710429. [PMID: 34305657 PMCID: PMC8299524 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.710429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Breath-hold diving involves environmental challenges, such as water immersion, hydrostatic pressure, and asphyxia, that put the respiratory system under stress. While training and inherent individual factors may increase tolerance to these challenges, the limits of human respiratory physiology will be reached quickly during deep breath-hold dives. Nonetheless, world records in deep breath-hold diving of more than 214 m of seawater have considerably exceeded predictions from human physiology. Investigations of elite breath-hold divers and their achievements revised our understanding of possible physiological adaptations in humans and revealed techniques such as glossopharyngeal breathing as being essential to achieve extremes in breath-hold diving performance. These techniques allow elite athletes to increase total lung capacity and minimize residual volume, thereby reducing thoracic squeeze. However, the inability of human lungs to collapse early during descent enables respiratory gas exchange to continue at greater depths, forcing nitrogen (N2) out of the alveolar space to dissolve in body tissues. This will increase risk of N2 narcosis and decompression stress. Clinical cases of stroke-like syndromes after single deep breath-hold dives point to possible mechanisms of decompression stress, caused by N2 entering the vasculature upon ascent from these deep dives. Mechanisms of neurological injury and inert gas narcosis during deep breath-hold dives are still incompletely understood. This review addresses possible hypotheses and elucidates factors that may contribute to pathophysiology of deep freediving accidents. Awareness of the unique challenges to pulmonary physiology at depth is paramount to assess medical risks of deep breath-hold diving.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kay Tetzlaff
- Department of Sports Medicine, University Hospital of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Frederic Lemaitre
- Faculte des Sciences du Sport et de l'Education Physique, Universite de Rouen, Rouen, France
| | - Christof Burgstahler
- Department of Sports Medicine, University Hospital of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | | | - Lars Eichhorn
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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Scott T, van Waart H, Vrijdag XCE, Mullins D, Mesley P, Mitchell SJ. Arterial blood gas measurements during deep open-water breath-hold dives. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2021; 130:1490-1495. [PMID: 33830815 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00111.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Arterial blood gas (ABG) measurements at both maximum depth and at resurfacing prior to breathing have not previously been measured during free dives conducted to extreme depth in cold open-water conditions. An elite free diver was instrumented with a left radial arterial cannula connected to two sampling syringes through a low-volume splitting device. He performed two open-water dives to a depth of 60 m (197', 7 atmospheres absolute pressure) in the constant weight with fins competition format. ABG samples were drawn at 60 m (by a mixed-gas scuba diver) and again on resurfacing before breathing. An immersed surface static apnea, of identical length to the dives and with ABG sampling at identical times, was also performed. Both dives lasted approximately 2 min. Arterial partial pressure of oxygen ([Formula: see text]) increased during descent from an indicative baseline of 15.8 kPa (after hyperventilation and glossopharyngeal insufflation) to 42.8 and 33.3 kPa (dives 1 and 2) and decreased precipitously (to 8.2 and 8.6 kPa) during ascent. Arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide ([Formula: see text]) also increased from a low indicative baseline of 2.8 kPa to 6.3 and 5.1 kPa on dives 1 and 2; an increase not explained by metabolic production of CO2 alone since [Formula: see text] actually decreased during ascent (to 5.2 and 4.5 kPa). Surface static apnea caused a steady decrease in [Formula: see text] and increase in [Formula: see text] without the inflections provoked by depth changes. Lung compression and expansion provoke significant changes in both [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] during rapid descent and ascent on a deep free dive. These changes generally support predictive hypotheses and previous findings in less extreme settings.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Arterial blood gas measurements at both maximum depth and the surface before breathing on the same dive have not previously been obtained during deep breath-hold dives in cold open-water conditions and competition dive format. Such measurements were obtained in two dives to 60 m (197') of 2 min duration. Changes in arterial oxygen and carbon dioxide (an increase during descent, and a decrease during ascent) support previous observations in less extreme dives and environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Scott
- Department of Anaesthesia, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Hanna van Waart
- Department of Anaesthesiology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Xavier C E Vrijdag
- Department of Anaesthesiology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | - Peter Mesley
- Dive TEC & Lust4Rust Dive Excursions, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Simon J Mitchell
- Department of Anaesthesia, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand.,Department of Anaesthesiology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.,Slark Hyperbaric Medicine Unit, North Shore Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
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12
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Mulder E, Sieber A, Schagatay E. Using Underwater Pulse Oximetry in Freediving to Extreme Depths to Study Risk of Hypoxic Blackout and Diving Response Phases. Front Physiol 2021; 12:651128. [PMID: 33868018 PMCID: PMC8047056 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.651128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Deep freediving exposes humans to hypoxia and dramatic changes in pressure. The effect of depth on gas exchange may enhance risk of hypoxic blackout (BO) during the last part of the ascent. Our aim was to investigate arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2) and heart rate (HR) in shallow and deep freedives, central variables, which have rarely been studied underwater in deep freediving. Four male elite competitive freedivers volunteered to wear a newly developed underwater pulse oximeter for continuous monitoring of SpO2 and HR during self-initiated training in the sea. Two probes were placed on the temples, connected to a recording unit on the back of the freediver. Divers performed one "shallow" and one "deep" constant weight dive with fins. Plethysmograms were recorded at 30 Hz, and SpO2 and HR were extracted. Mean ± SD depth of shallow dives was 19 ± 3 m, and 73 ± 12 m for deep dives. Duration was 82 ± 36 s in shallow and 150 ± 27 s in deep dives. All divers desaturated more during deeper dives (nadir 55 ± 10%) compared to shallow dives (nadir 80 ± 22%) with a lowest SpO2 of 44% in one deep dive. HR showed a "diving response," with similar lowest HR of 42 bpm in shallow and deep dives; the lowest value (28 bpm) was observed in one shallow dive. HR increased before dives, followed by a decline, and upon resurfacing a peak after which HR normalized. During deep dives, HR was influenced by the level of exertion across different diving phases; after an initial drop, a second HR decline occurred during the passive "free fall" phase. The underwater pulse oximeter allowed successful SpO2 and HR monitoring in freedives to 82 m depth - deeper than ever recorded before. Divers' enhanced desaturation during deep dives was likely related to increased exertion and extended duration, but the rapid extreme desaturation to below 50% near surfacing could result from the diminishing pressure, in line with the hypothesis that risk of hypoxic BO may increase during ascent. Recordings also indicated that the diving response is not powerful enough to fully override the exercise-induced tachycardia during active swimming. Pulse oximetry monitoring of essential variables underwater may be an important step to increase freediving safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Mulder
- Environmental Physiology Group, Department of Health Sciences, Mid Sweden University, Östersund, Sweden
| | - Arne Sieber
- Environmental Physiology Group, Department of Health Sciences, Mid Sweden University, Östersund, Sweden
| | - Erika Schagatay
- Environmental Physiology Group, Department of Health Sciences, Mid Sweden University, Östersund, Sweden
- Swedish Winter Sports Research Centre, Mid Sweden University, Östersund, Sweden
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13
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Physiology, pathophysiology and (mal)adaptations to chronic apnoeic training: a state-of-the-art review. Eur J Appl Physiol 2021; 121:1543-1566. [PMID: 33791844 PMCID: PMC8144079 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-021-04664-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Breath-hold diving is an activity that humans have engaged in since antiquity to forage for resources, provide sustenance and to support military campaigns. In modern times, breath-hold diving continues to gain popularity and recognition as both a competitive and recreational sport. The continued progression of world records is somewhat remarkable, particularly given the extreme hypoxaemic and hypercapnic conditions, and hydrostatic pressures these athletes endure. However, there is abundant literature to suggest a large inter-individual variation in the apnoeic capabilities that is thus far not fully understood. In this review, we explore developments in apnoea physiology and delineate the traits and mechanisms that potentially underpin this variation. In addition, we sought to highlight the physiological (mal)adaptations associated with consistent breath-hold training. Breath-hold divers (BHDs) are evidenced to exhibit a more pronounced diving-response than non-divers, while elite BHDs (EBHDs) also display beneficial adaptations in both blood and skeletal muscle. Importantly, these physiological characteristics are documented to be primarily influenced by training-induced stimuli. BHDs are exposed to unique physiological and environmental stressors, and as such possess an ability to withstand acute cerebrovascular and neuronal strains. Whether these characteristics are also a result of training-induced adaptations or genetic predisposition is less certain. Although the long-term effects of regular breath-hold diving activity are yet to be holistically established, preliminary evidence has posed considerations for cognitive, neurological, renal and bone health in BHDs. These areas should be explored further in longitudinal studies to more confidently ascertain the long-term health implications of extreme breath-holding activity.
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14
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Arce-Álvarez A, Veliz C, Vazquez-Muñoz M, von Igel M, Alvares C, Ramirez-Campillo R, Izquierdo M, Millet GP, Del Rio R, Andrade DC. Hypoxic Respiratory Chemoreflex Control in Young Trained Swimmers. Front Physiol 2021; 12:632603. [PMID: 33716781 PMCID: PMC7953139 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.632603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
During an apnea, changes in PaO2 activate peripheral chemoreceptors to increase respiratory drive. Athletes with continuous apnea, such as breath-hold divers, have shown a decrease in hypoxic ventilatory response (HVR), which could explain the long apnea times; however, this has not been studied in swimmers. We hypothesize that the long periods of voluntary apnea in swimmers is related to a decreased HVR. Therefore, we sought to determine the HVR and cardiovascular adjustments during a maximum voluntary apnea in young-trained swimmers. In fifteen trained swimmers and twenty-seven controls we studied minute ventilation (VE), arterial saturation (SpO2), heart rate (HR), and autonomic response [through heart rate variability (HRV) analysis], during acute chemoreflex activation (five inhalations of pure N2) and maximum voluntary apnea test. In apnea tests, the maximum voluntary apnea time and the end-apnea HR were higher in swimmers than in controls (p < 0.05), as well as a higher low frequency component of HRV (p < 0.05), than controls. Swimmers showed lower HVR than controls (p < 0.01) without differences in cardiac hypoxic response (CHR). We conclude that swimmers had a reduced HVR response and greater maximal voluntary apnea duration, probably due to decreased HVR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Arce-Álvarez
- Escuela de Kinesiología, Facultad de Salud, Universidad Católica Silva Henríquez, Santiago, Chile
| | - Carlos Veliz
- Centro de Investigación en Fisiología del Ejercicio, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile
| | - Manuel Vazquez-Muñoz
- Navarrabiomed, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra (CHN), Universidad Pública de Navarra, IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain.,Unidad de Estadística, Departamento de Calidad, Clínica Santa María, Santiago, Chile
| | - Magdalena von Igel
- Centro de Investigación en Fisiología del Ejercicio, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile
| | - Cristian Alvares
- Laboratory of Human Performance, Quality of Life and Wellness Research Group, Department of Physical Activity Sciences, Universidad de Los Lagos, Osorno, Chile
| | - Rodrigo Ramirez-Campillo
- Centro de Investigación en Fisiología del Ejercicio, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile.,Laboratory of Human Performance, Quality of Life and Wellness Research Group, Department of Physical Activity Sciences, Universidad de Los Lagos, Osorno, Chile
| | - Mikel Izquierdo
- Navarrabiomed, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra (CHN), Universidad Pública de Navarra, IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Gregoire P Millet
- Institute of Sport Sciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Rodrigo Del Rio
- Laboratory of Cardiorespiratory Control, Department of Physiology, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Centro de Envejecimiento y Regeneración (CARE), Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Centro de Excelencia en Biomedicina de Magallanes (CEBIMA), Universidad de Magallanes, Punta Arenas, Chile
| | - David C Andrade
- Centro de Investigación en Fisiología del Ejercicio, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile.,Laboratory of Cardiorespiratory Control, Department of Physiology, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Centro de Fisiología y Medicina de Altura, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
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15
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Barak OF, Janjic N, Drvis I, Mijacika T, Mudnic I, Coombs GB, Thom SR, Madic D, Dujic Z. Vascular dysfunction following breath-hold diving. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2020; 98:124-130. [PMID: 31505129 DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2019-0341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The pathogenesis of predominantly neurological decompression sickness (DCS) is multifactorial. In SCUBA diving, besides gas bubbles, DCS has been linked to microparticle release, impaired endothelial function, and platelet activation. This study focused on vascular damage and its potential role in the genesis of DCS in breath-hold diving. Eleven breath-hold divers participated in a field study comprising eight deep breath-hold dives with short surface periods and repetitive breath-hold dives lasting for 6 h. Endothelium-dependent vasodilation of the brachial artery, via flow-mediated dilation (FMD), and the number of microparticles (MPs) were assessed before and after each protocol. All measures were analyzed by two-way within-subject ANOVA (2 × 2 ANOVA; factors: time and protocol). Absolute FMD was reduced following both diving protocols (p < 0.001), with no interaction (p = 0.288) or main effect of protocol (p = 0.151). There was a significant difference in the total number of circulating MPs between protocols (p = 0.007), where both increased post-dive (p = 0.012). The number of CD31+/CD41- and CD66b+ MP subtypes, although different between protocols (p < 0.001), also increased by 41.0% ± 56.6% (p = 0.050) and 60.0% ± 53.2% (p = 0.045) following deep and repetitive breath-hold dives, respectively. Both deep and repetitive breath-hold diving lead to endothelial dysfunction that may play an important role in the genesis of neurological DCS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Otto F Barak
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Serbia.,Faculty of Sports and Physical Education, University of Novi Sad, Serbia
| | | | - Ivan Drvis
- School of Kinesiology, University of Zagreb, Croatia
| | | | | | - Geoff B Coombs
- School of Health and Exercise Sciences, University of British Columbia Okanagan, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada
| | - Stephen R Thom
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Dejan Madic
- Faculty of Sports and Physical Education, University of Novi Sad, Serbia
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16
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Taboni A, Fagoni N, Fontolliet T, Grasso GS, Moia C, Vinetti G, Ferretti G. Breath holding as an example of extreme hypoventilation: experimental testing of a new model describing alveolar gas pathways. Exp Physiol 2020; 105:2216-2225. [PMID: 32991750 DOI: 10.1113/ep088977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
NEW FINDINGS What is the central question of this study? We modelled the alveolar pathway during breath holding on the hypothesis that it follows a hypoventilation loop on the O2 -CO2 diagram. What is the main finding and its importance? Validation of the model was possible within the range of alveolar gas compositions compatible with consciousness. Within this range, the experimental data were compatible with the proposed model. The model and its characteristics might allow predictions of alveolar gas composition whenever the alveolar ventilation goes to zero; for example, static and dynamic breath holding at the surface or during ventilation/intubation failure in anaesthesia. ABSTRACT According to the hypothesis that alveolar partial pressures of O2 and CO2 during breath holding (BH) should vary following a hypoventilation loop, we modelled the alveolar gas pathways during BH on the O2 -CO2 diagram and tested it experimentally during ambient air and pure oxygen breathing. In air, the model was constructed using the inspired and alveolar partial pressures of O2 ( P I O 2 and P A O 2 , respectively) and CO2 ( P IC O 2 and P AC O 2 , respectively) and the steady-state values of the pre-BH respiratory exchange ratio (RER). In pure oxygen, the model respected the constraint of P AC O 2 = - P A O 2 + P I O 2 . To test this, 12 subjects performed several BHs of increasing duration and one maximal BH at rest and during exercise (30 W cycling supine), while breathing air or pure oxygen. We measured gas flows, P A O 2 and P AC O 2 before and at the end of all BHs. Measured data were fitted through the model. In air, P I O 2 = 150 ± 1 mmHg and P IC O 2 = 0.3 ± 0.0 mmHg, both at rest and at 30 W. Before BH, steady-state RER was 0.83 ± 0.16 at rest and 0.77 ± 0.14 at 30 W; P A O 2 = 107 ± 7 mmHg at rest and 102 ± 8 mmHg at 30 W; and P AC O 2 = 36 ± 4 mmHg at rest and 38 ± 3 mmHg at 30 W. By model fitting, we computed the RER during the early phase of BH: 0.10 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 0.08-0.12] at rest and 0.13 (95% CI = 0.11-0.15) at 30 W. In oxygen, model fitting provided P I O 2 : 692 (95% CI = 688-696) mmHg at rest and 693 (95% CI = 689-698) mmHg at 30 W. The experimental data are compatible with the proposed model, within its physiological range.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Taboni
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Pharmacology, Intensive Care and Emergencies, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Nazzareno Fagoni
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Timothée Fontolliet
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Pharmacology, Intensive Care and Emergencies, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Department of Basic Neurosciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Christian Moia
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Pharmacology, Intensive Care and Emergencies, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Department of Basic Neurosciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Giovanni Vinetti
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Guido Ferretti
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Pharmacology, Intensive Care and Emergencies, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.,Department of Basic Neurosciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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17
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Bosco G, Paganini M, Rizzato A, Martani L, Garetto G, Lion J, Camporesi EM, Moon RE. Arterial blood gases in divers at surface after prolonged breath-hold. Eur J Appl Physiol 2020; 120:505-512. [PMID: 31912227 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-019-04296-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Adaptations during voluntary breath-hold diving have been increasingly investigated since these athletes are exposed to critical hypoxia during the ascent. However, only a limited amount of literature explored the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying this phenomenon. This is the first study to measure arterial blood gases immediately before the end of a breath-hold in real conditions. METHODS Six well-trained breath-hold divers were enrolled for the experiment held at the "Y-40 THE DEEP JOY" pool (Montegrotto Terme, Padova, Italy). Before the experiment, an arterial cannula was inserted in the radial artery of the non-dominant limb. All divers performed: a breath-hold while moving at the surface using a sea-bob; a sled-assisted breath-hold dive to 42 m; and a breath-hold dive to 42 m with fins. Arterial blood samples were obtained in four conditions: one at rest before submersion and one at the end of each breath-hold. RESULTS No diving-related complications were observed. The arterial partial pressure of oxygen (96.2 ± 7.0 mmHg at rest, mean ± SD) decreased, particularly after the sled-assisted dive (39.8 ± 8.7 mmHg), and especially after the dive with fins (31.6 ± 17.0 mmHg). The arterial partial pressure of CO2 varied somewhat but after each study was close to normal (38.2 ± 3.0 mmHg at rest; 31.4 ± 3.7 mmHg after the sled-assisted dive; 36.1 ± 5.3 after the dive with fins). CONCLUSION We confirmed that the arterial partial pressure of oxygen reaches hazardously low values at the end of breath-hold, especially after the dive performed with voluntary effort. Critical hypoxia can occur in breath-hold divers even without symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerardo Bosco
- Master in Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Via Marzolo, 3, 35131, Padova, Italy
| | - Matteo Paganini
- Master in Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Via Marzolo, 3, 35131, Padova, Italy.
| | - Alex Rizzato
- Master in Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Via Marzolo, 3, 35131, Padova, Italy
| | - Luca Martani
- Master in Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Via Marzolo, 3, 35131, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Jacopo Lion
- Master in Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Via Marzolo, 3, 35131, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Richard E Moon
- Department of Anesthesiology, Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Environmental Physiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
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18
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Bosco G, Rizzato A, Martani L, Schiavo S, Talamonti E, Garetto G, Paganini M, Camporesi EM, Moon RE. Arterial Blood Gas Analysis in Breath-Hold Divers at Depth. Front Physiol 2018; 9:1558. [PMID: 30455649 PMCID: PMC6230561 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.01558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to evaluate the partial pressure of arterial blood gases in breath-hold divers performing a submersion at 40 m. Eight breath-hold divers were enrolled for the trials held at "Y-40 THE DEEP JOY" pool (Montegrotto Terme, Padova, Italy). Prior to submersion, an arterial cannula in the radial artery of the non-dominant limb was positioned. All divers performed a sled-assisted breath-hold dive to 40 m. Three blood samplings occurred: at 10 min prior to submersion, at 40 m depth, and within 2 min after diver's surfacing and after resuming normal ventilation. Blood samples were analyzed immediately on site. Six subjects completed the experiment, without diving-related problems. The theoretically predicted hyperoxia at the bottom was observed in 4 divers out of 6, while the other 2 experienced a reduction in the partial pressure of oxygen (paO2) at the bottom. There were no significant increases in arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (paCO2) at the end of descent in 4 of 6 divers, while in 2 divers paCO2 decreased. Arterial mean pH and mean bicarbonate (HCO 3 - ) levels exhibited minor changes. There was a statistically significant increase in mean arterial lactate level after the exercise. Ours was the first attempt to verify real changes in blood gases at a depth of 40 m during a breath-hold descent in free-divers. We demonstrated that, at depth, relative hypoxemia can occur, presumably caused by lung compression. Also, hypercapnia exists at depth, to a lesser degree than would be expected from calculations, presumably because of pre-dive hyperventilation and carbon dioxide distribution in blood and tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerardo Bosco
- Environmental Physiology and Medicine Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Alex Rizzato
- Environmental Physiology and Medicine Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Luca Martani
- Environmental Physiology and Medicine Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Simone Schiavo
- Environmental Physiology and Medicine Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Ennio Talamonti
- Environmental Physiology and Medicine Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Matteo Paganini
- Environmental Physiology and Medicine Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Enrico M. Camporesi
- Environmental Physiology and Medicine Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Richard E. Moon
- Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Environmental Physiology, Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
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Abstract
Breath-hold diving is practiced by recreational divers, seafood divers, military divers, and competitive athletes. It involves highly integrated physiology and extreme responses. This article reviews human breath-hold diving physiology beginning with an historical overview followed by a summary of foundational research and a survey of some contemporary issues. Immersion and cardiovascular adjustments promote a blood shift into the heart and chest vasculature. Autonomic responses include diving bradycardia, peripheral vasoconstriction, and splenic contraction, which help conserve oxygen. Competitive divers use a technique of lung hyperinflation that raises initial volume and airway pressure to facilitate longer apnea times and greater depths. Gas compression at depth leads to sequential alveolar collapse. Airway pressure decreases with depth and becomes negative relative to ambient due to limited chest compliance at low lung volumes, raising the risk of pulmonary injury called "squeeze," characterized by postdive coughing, wheezing, and hemoptysis. Hypoxia and hypercapnia influence the terminal breakpoint beyond which voluntary apnea cannot be sustained. Ascent blackout due to hypoxia is a danger during long breath-holds, and has become common amongst high-level competitors who can suppress their urge to breathe. Decompression sickness due to nitrogen accumulation causing bubble formation can occur after multiple repetitive dives, or after single deep dives during depth record attempts. Humans experience responses similar to those seen in diving mammals, but to a lesser degree. The deepest sled-assisted breath-hold dive was to 214 m. Factors that might determine ultimate human depth capabilities are discussed. © 2018 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 8:585-630, 2018.
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22
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Modified ventilatory response characteristics to exercise in breath-hold divers. Int J Sports Physiol Perform 2013; 9:757-65. [PMID: 24231513 DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.2013-0308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Specific adjustments to repeated extreme apnea are not fully known and understood. While a blunted ventilatory chemosensitivity to CO2 is described for elite breath-hold divers (BHDs) at rest, it is unclear whether specific adaptations affect their response to dynamic exercise. Eight elite BHDs with a previously validated decrease in CO2 chemosensitivity, 8 scuba divers (SCDs), and 8 matched control subjects were included in a study where markers of ventilatory response, Fowler's dead space, partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2), and blood lactate concentrations during cycle exercise were measured. Maximal power output did not differ between the groups, but lactate threshold (θL) appeared at a significantly lowered respiratory compensation point (RCP) and at a higher VO2 for the BHDs. End-tidal (petCO2) and estimated arterial pCO2 (paCO2) were significantly higher in BHDs at θL, the RCP, and maximum exhaustion. BHDs showed a significantly (P < .01) slower breathing pattern in relation to a given tidal volume at a specific work rate. In summary, BHDs presented signs of a metabolic shift from aerobic to anaerobic energy supply, decreased chemosensitivity during exercise, and a distinct ventilatory-response pattern during cycle exercise that differs from SCDs and controls.
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23
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Efrati S, Fishlev G, Bechor Y, Volkov O, Bergan J, Kliakhandler K, Kamiager I, Gal N, Friedman M, Ben-Jacob E, Golan H. Hyperbaric oxygen induces late neuroplasticity in post stroke patients--randomized, prospective trial. PLoS One 2013; 8:e53716. [PMID: 23335971 PMCID: PMC3546039 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0053716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2012] [Accepted: 12/05/2012] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Recovery after stroke correlates with non-active (stunned) brain regions, which may persist for years. The current study aimed to evaluate whether increasing the level of dissolved oxygen by Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) could activate neuroplasticity in patients with chronic neurologic deficiencies due to stroke. Methods and Findings A prospective, randomized, controlled trial including 74 patients (15 were excluded). All participants suffered a stroke 6–36 months prior to inclusion and had at least one motor dysfunction. After inclusion, patients were randomly assigned to "treated" or "cross" groups. Brain activity was assessed by SPECT imaging; neurologic functions were evaluated by NIHSS, ADL, and life quality. Patients in the treated group were evaluated twice: at baseline and after 40 HBOT sessions. Patients in the cross group were evaluated three times: at baseline, after a 2-month control period of no treatment, and after subsequent 2-months of 40 HBOT sessions. HBOT protocol: Two months of 40 sessions (5 days/week), 90 minutes each, 100% oxygen at 2 ATA. We found that the neurological functions and life quality of all patients in both groups were significantly improved following the HBOT sessions while no improvement was found during the control period of the patients in the cross group. Results of SPECT imaging were well correlated with clinical improvement. Elevated brain activity was detected mostly in regions of live cells (as confirmed by CT) with low activity (based on SPECT) – regions of noticeable discrepancy between anatomy and physiology. Conclusions The results indicate that HBOT can lead to significant neurological improvements in post stroke patients even at chronic late stages. The observed clinical improvements imply that neuroplasticity can still be activated long after damage onset in regions where there is a brain SPECT/CT (anatomy/physiology) mismatch. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00715897
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Affiliation(s)
- Shai Efrati
- The Institute of Hyperbaric Medicine, Assaf Harofeh Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel.
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Abstract
AbstractElite breath-hold divers are unique athletes challenged with compression induced by hydrostatic pressure and extreme hypoxia/hypercapnia during maximal field dives. The current world records for men are 214 meters for depth (Herbert Nitsch, No-Limits Apnea discipline), 11:35 minutes for duration (Stephane Mifsud, Static Apnea discipline), and 281 meters for distance (Goran Čolak, Dynamic Apnea with Fins discipline). The major physiological adaptations that allow breath-hold divers to achieve such depths and duration are called the “diving response” that is comprised of peripheral vasoconstriction and increased blood pressure, bradycardia, decreased cardiac output, increased cerebral and myocardial blood flow, splenic contraction, and preserved O2 delivery to the brain and heart. This complex of physiological adaptations is not unique to humans, but can be found in all diving mammals. Despite these profound physiological adaptations, divers may frequently show hypoxic loss of consciousness. The breath-hold starts with an easy-going phase in which respiratory muscles are inactive, whereas during the second so-called “struggle” phase, involuntary breathing movements start. These contractions increase cerebral blood flow by facilitating left stroke volume, cardiac output, and arterial pressure. The analysis of the compensatory mechanisms involved in maximal breath-holds can improve brain survival during conditions involving profound brain hypoperfusion and deoxygenation.
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Dujic Z, Breskovic T. Impact of breath holding on cardiovascular respiratory and cerebrovascular health. Sports Med 2012; 42:459-72. [PMID: 22574634 DOI: 10.2165/11599260-000000000-00000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Human underwater breath-hold diving is a fascinating example of applied environmental physiology. In combination with swimming, it is one of the most popular forms of summer outdoor physical activities. It is performed by a variety of individuals ranging from elite breath-hold divers, underwater hockey and rugby players, synchronized and sprint swimmers, spear fishermen, sponge harvesters and up to recreational swimmers. Very few data currently exist concerning the influence of regular breath holding on possible health risks such as cerebrovascular, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. A literature search of the PubMed electronic search engine using keywords 'breath-hold diving' and 'apnoea diving' was performed. This review focuses on recent advances in knowledge regarding possibly harmful physiological changes and/or potential health risks associated with breath-hold diving. Available evidence indicates that deep breath-hold dives can be very dangerous and can cause serious acute health problems such a collapse of the lungs, barotrauma at descent and ascent, pulmonary oedema and alveolar haemorrhage, cardiac arrest, blackouts, nitrogen narcosis, decompression sickness and death. Moreover, even shallow apnoea dives, which are far more frequent, can present a significant health risk. The state of affairs is disturbing as athletes, as well as recreational individuals, practice voluntary apnoea on a regular basis. Long-term health risks of frequent maximal breath holds are at present unknown, but should be addressed in future research. Clearly, further studies are needed to better understand the mechanisms related to the possible development or worsening of different clinical disorders in recreational or competitive breath holding and to determine the potential changes in training/competition regimens in order to prevent these adverse events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeljko Dujic
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Split School of Medicine, Split, Croatia.
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Abstract
Freediving is a sport in which athletes aim to achieve the longest or the deepest breath-hold dive. Divers are at risk of gradually increasing hypoxia and hypercapnia due to a long time spent underwater and additionally of increasing hyperoxia while depth diving. Exceeding the limits of hypoxia endurance leads to loss of consciousness or even to death whithout immediate first aid. Often enhanced world records indicate the ability to shape specific to the discipline adaptive mechanisms of cardio-pulmonary system which are individually conditioned. During stay underwater heartbeats decelerating called bradycardia, increase in blood pressure, peripheral blood vessels narrowing and blood centralization in freediver’s organism. These mechanisms enhance blood oxygen management as well as transporting it first of all to essential for survival organs, i.e. brain and heart. These mechanisms are supported by spleen and adrenal glands hormonal reactions.
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Dujic Z, Breskovic T, Ljubkovic M. Breath hold diving: In vivo model of the brain survival response in man? Med Hypotheses 2011; 76:737-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2011.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2010] [Accepted: 02/04/2011] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Breskovic T, Ivancev V, Banic I, Jordan J, Dujic Z. Peripheral chemoreflex sensitivity and sympathetic nerve activity are normal in apnea divers during training season. Auton Neurosci 2010; 154:42-7. [PMID: 19926535 DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2009.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2009] [Revised: 10/26/2009] [Accepted: 11/02/2009] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Apnea divers are exposed to repeated massive arterial oxygen desaturation, which could perturb chemoreflexes. An earlier study suggested that peripheral chemoreflex regulation of sympathetic vasomotor tone and ventilation may have recovered 4 or more weeks into the off season. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that peripheral chemoreflex regulation of ventilation and sympathetic vasomotor tone is present during the training season. We determined ventilation, heart rate, blood pressure, cardiac stroke volume, and muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) during isocapnic hypoxia in 10 breath hold divers and 11 matched control subjects. The study was carried out at the end of the season of intense apnea trainings. Baseline MSNA frequency was 30+/-4bursts/min in control subjects and 25+/-4bursts/min in breath hold divers (P=0.053). During hypoxia burst frequency and total sympathetic activity increased similarly in both groups. Sympathetic activity normalized during the 30-minute recovery. Hypoxia-induced stimulation of minute ventilation was similar in both groups, although in divers it was maintained by higher tidal volumes and lower breathing frequency compared with control subjects. In both groups, hypoxia increased heart rate and cardiac output whereas total peripheral resistance decreased. Blood pressure remained unchanged. We conclude that peripheral chemoreflex regulation of ventilation and sympathetic vasomotor tone is paradoxically preserved in apnea divers, both, during the off and during the training season. The observation suggests that repeated arterial oxygen desaturation may not be sufficient explaining sympathetic reflex abnormalities similar to those in obstructive sleep apnea patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toni Breskovic
- Department of Physiology, University of Split School of Medicine, Split, Croatia
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29
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Peripheral chemoreflex regulation of sympathetic vasomotor tone in apnea divers. Clin Auton Res 2009; 20:57-63. [DOI: 10.1007/s10286-009-0034-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2009] [Accepted: 09/14/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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30
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Andersson JPA, Linér MH, Jönsson H. Increased serum levels of the brain damage marker S100B after apnea in trained breath-hold divers: a study including respiratory and cardiovascular observations. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2009; 107:809-15. [DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.91434.2008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The concentration of the protein S100B in serum is used as a brain damage marker in various conditions. We wanted to investigate whether a voluntary, prolonged apnea in trained breath-hold divers resulted in an increase of S100B in serum. Nine trained breath-hold divers performed a protocol mimicking the procedures they use during breath-hold training and competition, including extensive preapneic hyperventilation and glossopharyngeal insufflation, in order to perform a maximum-duration apnea, i.e., “static apnea” (average: 335 s, range: 281–403 s). Arterial blood samples were collected and cardiovascular variables recorded. Arterial partial pressures of O2 and CO2 (PaO2 and PaCO2) were 128 Torr and 20 Torr, respectively, at the start of apnea. The degree of asphyxia at the end of apnea was considerable, with PaO2 and PaCO2 reaching 28 Torr and 45 Torr, respectively. The concentration of S100B in serum transiently increased from 0.066 μg/l at the start of apnea to 0.083 μg/l after the apnea ( P < 0.05). The increase in S100B is attributed to the asphyxia or to other physiological responses to apnea, for example, increased blood pressure, and probably indicates a temporary opening of the blood-brain barrier. It is not possible to conclude that the observed increase in S100B levels in serum after a maximal-duration apnea reflects a serious injury to the brain, although the results raise concerns considering negative long-term effects. At the least, the results indicate that prolonged, voluntary apnea affects the integrity of the central nervous system and do not preclude cumulative effects.
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31
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Fitz-Clarke JR. Lung compression effects on gas exchange in human breath-hold diving. Respir Physiol Neurobiol 2009; 165:221-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.resp.2008.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2008] [Revised: 11/17/2008] [Accepted: 12/13/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Repeated apneas do not affect the hypercapnic ventilatory response in the short term. Eur J Appl Physiol 2008; 105:569-74. [DOI: 10.1007/s00421-008-0936-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/03/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Andersson JP, Biasoletto-Tjellström G, Schagatay EK. Pulmonary gas exchange is reduced by the cardiovascular diving response in resting humans. Respir Physiol Neurobiol 2008; 160:320-4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.resp.2007.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2007] [Revised: 10/10/2007] [Accepted: 10/28/2007] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Nygren-Bonnier M, Lindholm P, Markström A, Skedinger M, Mattsson E, Klefbeck B. Effects of glossopharyngeal pistoning for lung insufflation on vital capacity in healthy women. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2007; 86:290-4. [PMID: 17413541 DOI: 10.1097/phm.0b013e3180383367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine whether healthy women could be trained to perform glossopharyngeal pistoning (GP) to insufflate the lungs to volumes exceeding maximum inspiratory capacity (IC), whether such insufflation caused discomfort, and the immediate and long-term effects on vital capacity (VC). DESIGN A randomized controlled trial. Twenty-six healthy women were randomly assigned to a training group (TG, n = 17) or to a control group (CG, n = 9). The TG performed 15-30 deep inspiratory efforts supplemented by GP to lung volumes exceeding IC, three times per week for 6 wks. Pulmonary function and chest expansion were measured before and after the 6-wk period. The TG was retested again 12 wks after the end of the training period. RESULTS One of 17 women had difficulty performing GP and was excluded. Temporary symptoms (while performing GP) were reported in 44% of subjects in the TG. After 6 wks of training, subjects in the TG had significantly increased their VC (P < 0.001). VC did not change in the CG. The increase in vital capacity of the TG was still evident after 12 wks without performing GP. Chest expansion increased significantly with GP. CONCLUSION The women in the TG were able to perform the technique, and it did not cause major discomfort. VC increased significantly in the TG, and the increase was still present after 12 wks without GP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malin Nygren-Bonnier
- Division of Physiotherapy, Department of Neurobiology, Care Science and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden
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Fitz-Clarke JR. Computer simulation of human breath-hold diving: cardiovascular adjustments. Eur J Appl Physiol 2007; 100:207-24. [PMID: 17323072 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-007-0421-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/04/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The world record for a sled-assisted human breath-hold dive has surpassed 200 m. Lung compression during descent draws blood from the peripheral circulation into the thorax causing engorgement of pulmonary vessels that might impose a physiological limitation due to capillary stress failure. A computer model was developed to investigate cardiopulmonary interactions during immersion, apnea, and compression to elucidate hemodynamic responses and estimate vascular stresses in deep human breath-hold diving. The model simulates active and passive cardiovascular adjustments involving blood volumes, flows, and pressures during apnea at diving depths up to 200 m. Redistribution of blood volume from peripheral to central compartments increases with depth. Pulmonary capillary transmural pressures in the model exceed 50 mm Hg at record depth, producing stresses in the range known to cause alveolar capillary damage in animals. Capillary pressures are partially attenuated by blood redistribution to compliant extra-pulmonary vascular compartments. The capillary pressure differential is due mainly to a large drop in alveolar air pressure from outward elastic chest wall recoil. Autonomic diving reflexes are shown to influence systemic blood pressures, but have relatively little effect on pulmonary vascular pressures. Increases in pulmonary capillary stresses are gradual beyond record depth.
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Affiliation(s)
- John R Fitz-Clarke
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, 5849 University Avenue, Halifax, NS, Canada, B3H 4H7.
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Palada I, Obad A, Bakovic D, Valic Z, Ivancev V, Dujic Z. Cerebral and peripheral hemodynamics and oxygenation during maximal dry breath-holds. Respir Physiol Neurobiol 2007; 157:374-81. [PMID: 17363344 DOI: 10.1016/j.resp.2007.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2006] [Revised: 02/01/2007] [Accepted: 02/01/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The effects of maximal apneas on cerebral and brachial blood flow and oxygenation are unknown in humans. Middle cerebral artery blood velocity (MCAV), cerebral and muscle oxygenation (Sc(O2) and Sm(O2)) and brachial blood flow (BBF) were measured during apneas in breath-hold divers (BHD) and non-divers (ND). Brain oxyhemoglobin (O(2)Hb) was maintained in both groups until the end of apnea, whereas deoxyhemoglobin increased more in BHD. Therefore, Sc(O2) decreased more in BHD due to longer apnea duration and smaller initial MCAV increase. MCAV increased significantly more in BHD versus ND at the end of apnea. Cerebral desaturation for approximately 13% occurred at the end of apnea in BHD despite increased cerebral oxygen delivery for approximately 50%. Larger reduction in muscle O(2)Hb was found in BHD, with similar peripheral vasoconstriction. These data indicate that BHD have decreased Sc(O2) at the end of breath-hold despite large increases in MCAV. This is partly due delayed initial cerebral vasodilation. This study provides further evidence for the oxygen-conserving effect in elite divers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Palada
- Department of Physiology, University of Split School of Medicine, Soltanska 2, 21000 Split, Croatia
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Loring SH, O'Donnell CR, Butler JP, Lindholm P, Jacobson F, Ferrigno M. Transpulmonary pressures and lung mechanics with glossopharyngeal insufflation and exsufflation beyond normal lung volumes in competitive breath-hold divers. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2006; 102:841-6. [PMID: 17110514 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00749.2006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Throughout life, most mammals breathe between maximal and minimal lung volumes determined by respiratory mechanics and muscle strength. In contrast, competitive breath-hold divers exceed these limits when they employ glossopharyngeal insufflation (GI) before a dive to increase lung gas volume (providing additional oxygen and intrapulmonary gas to prevent dangerous chest compression at depths recently greater than 100 m) and glossopharyngeal exsufflation (GE) during descent to draw air from compressed lungs into the pharynx for middle ear pressure equalization. To explore the mechanical effects of these maneuvers on the respiratory system, we measured lung volumes by helium dilution with spirometry and computed tomography and estimated transpulmonary pressures using an esophageal balloon after GI and GE in four competitive breath-hold divers. Maximal lung volume was increased after GI by 0.13-2.84 liters, resulting in volumes 1.5-7.9 SD above predicted values. The amount of gas in the lungs after GI increased by 0.59-4.16 liters, largely due to elevated intrapulmonary pressures of 52-109 cmH(2)O. The transpulmonary pressures increased after GI to values ranging from 43 to 80 cmH(2)O, 1.6-2.9 times the expected values at total lung capacity. After GE, lung volumes were reduced by 0.09-0.44 liters, and the corresponding transpulmonary pressures decreased to -15 to -31 cmH(2)O, suggesting closure of intrapulmonary airways. We conclude that the lungs of some healthy individuals are able to withstand repeated inflation to transpulmonary pressures far greater than those to which they would normally be exposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen H Loring
- Dept. of Anesthesia and Critical Care, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
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Seccombe LM, Rogers PG, Mai N, Wong CK, Kritharides L, Jenkins CR. Features of glossopharyngeal breathing in breath-hold divers. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2006; 101:799-801. [PMID: 16690794 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00075.2006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
One technique employed by competitive breath-hold divers to increase diving depth is to hyperinflate the lungs with glossopharyngeal breathing (GPB). Our aim was to assess the relationship between measured volume and pressure changes due to GPB. Seven healthy male breath-hold divers, age 33 ( 8 ) [mean (SD)] years were recruited. Subjects performed baseline body plethysmography (TLCPRE). Plethysmography and mouth relaxation pressure were recorded immediately following a maximal GPB maneuver at total lung capacity (TLC) (TLCGPB) and within 5 min after the final GPB maneuver (TLCPOST). Mean TLC increased from TLCPRE to TLCGPB by 1.95 (0.66) liters and vital capacity (VC) by 1.92 (0.56) liters ( P < 0.0001), with no change in residual volume. There was an increase in TLCPOST compared with TLCPRE of 0.16 liters (0.14) ( P < 0.02). Mean mouth relaxation pressure at TLCGPB was 65 (19) cmH2O and was highly correlated with the percent increase in TLC ( R = 0.96). Breath-hold divers achieve substantial increases in measured lung volumes using GPB primarily from increasing VC. Approximately one-third of the additional air was accommodated by air compression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leigh M Seccombe
- Dept. of Thoracic Medicine, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Sydney, NSW 2139, Australia.
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Overgaard K, Friis S, Pedersen RB, Lykkeboe G. Influence of lung volume, glossopharyngeal inhalation and P(ET) O2 and P(ET) CO2 on apnea performance in trained breath-hold divers. Eur J Appl Physiol 2006; 97:158-64. [PMID: 16525813 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-006-0156-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/01/2006] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Breath-hold divers train and compete in maximal apnea performance. Glossopharyngeal inhalation (GI) is commonly used to increase lung volume above vital capacity (VC) prior to apnea. We investigated the hypothesis that this practice would increase apnea performance and relaxed airway pressure. Seven well-trained breath-hold divers performed maximal bouts of apnea at three different lung volumes (85% VC, VC and VC + GI) both at rest (dry static apnea) and during underwater swimming (dynamic apnea). Heart rate, apnea time and end tidal PCO(2) and PO(2) (P (ET) CO(2) and P (ET) O(2)) were recorded. In addition, relaxed airway pressure was measured after GI. Maximal GI increased lung volume by 1.59+/-0.57 l above VC and increased relaxed airway pressure to from 3.5+/-0.5 to 8.7+/-1.7 kPa. Dry static apnea time was higher at VC + GI (346+/-46 s) than at VC (309+/-38 s, P<0.05) and 85% VC (297+/-48 s, P<0.01). Likewise, dynamic apnea time was higher at VC + GI (97+/-27 s) than at VC (78+/-14 s, P<0.05) and 85% VC (71+/-17 s, P<0.05). P (ET) O(2) values reached 3.5+/-0.6 kPa at the end of dry static apnea bouts and this was not different from dynamic apnea when taking hydrostatic pressure at swimming depth into account (3.7+/-0.6 kPa, P=0.48). In conclusion, GI increases lung volume, relaxed airway pressure and apnea performance in well-trained breath-hold divers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristian Overgaard
- Department of Sport Science, University of Aarhus, Katrinebjergvej 89C, 8200, Aarhus N, Denmark.
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Abstract
Apnea diving is a fascinating example of applied physiology. The record for apnea diving as an extreme sport is 171 meters, 8:58 minutes. The short time beneath the surface induces profound cardiovascular and respiratory effects. Variations of blood-gas tensions result from the interaction of metabolism and the rapid sequence of compression and decompression. Decompression sickness is possible. Apnea divers can reach depths beyond the theoretic physiologic limit by using the lung-packing maneuver. Apnea divers exhibit a fall in heart rate, which can be trained and is an oxygen-conserving effect, but increases the incidence of ventricular arrhythmia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claus-Martin Muth
- Sektion Anaesthesiologische Pathophysiologie und Verfahrensentwicklung, Universitaetsklinikum, Parkstrasse 11, D-89073 Ulm (Donau), Germany.
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Lindholm P, Nyrén S. Studies on inspiratory and expiratory glossopharyngeal breathing in breath-hold divers employing magnetic resonance imaging and spirometry. Eur J Appl Physiol 2005; 94:646-51. [PMID: 15942772 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-005-1358-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/27/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Competitive breath-hold divers use glossopharyngeal breathing in order to increase their performance. Glossopharyngeal inhalation (GI) increases the volume of air in the lungs above the total lung capacity, thereby increasing the volume of gas available for pressure equalization at great depth. The reverse procedure, glossopharyngeal exhalation (GE), is used to suck air out of the lungs at great depth when the lungs are compressed, thus providing air in the mouth for equalization of pressure in the middle ear. Five Swedish apnea athletes were tested. Their vital capacity (VC) and the volume of air exhaled after GI were measured with a turbine spirometer, while the residual volume (RV), and the volume of gas in the lungs following GE was determined using a helium dilution procedure. Thereafter subjects performed these maneuvers during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the thorax. All subjects exhibited a higher VC + GI (7.8-11.9l) than VC (6.2-9.5l) and lower RV-GE (1.16-1.77l) than RV (1.37-2.40l). MRI revealed pronounced changes in the volume of intrathoracic blood, with a small heart and compressed vessels following GI and the opposite, i.e., enlarged vessels during GE. MRI also showed an invagination of the posterior wall of the trachea, in connection with GE in certain subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Lindholm
- Section of Environmental Physiology, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Berzelius väg 13, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden.
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