Brief communication: Self-reported health and activity habits and attitudes in saturation divers

Author(s)

Dolan, Eimear ^{[1, 2]} ; Deb, Sanjoy ^{[2, 3]} ; Stephen, Graeme ^[4] ; Swinton, Paul ^[2]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Sch Phys Educ & Sport, BR-05508 Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[2] Robert Gordon Univ, Sch Hlth Sci, Aberdeen AB9 1FR - Scotland

^[3] Edgehill Univ, Dept Sport & Phys Act, Ormskirk, Lancs - England

^[4] Robert Gordon Univ, Aberdeen Business Sch, Aberdeen AB9 1FR - Scotland

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: UNDERSEA & HYPERBARIC MEDICINE; v. 43, n. 2, p. 93-101, MAR-APR 2016.
• Web of Science Citations: 3

Abstract

Introduction: Exposure to the confined hyperbaric, hyperoxic environment of the saturation chamber poses a number of unique physiological challenges to divers. Appropriately tailored training, nutrition and health programs may help support the body to cope with and overcome these challenges. Aim: To describe the self-reported habits and attitudes of saturation divers toward issues related to health, lifestyle, nutrition and physical activity. Methods: A questionnaire was developed to elicit information related to four key areas: 1) respondent demographics; 2) physical activity habits and attitudes; 3) nutritional attitudes; and 4) general lifestyle and health information. Results: Respondents (n = 89/45%) reported a generally healthy lifestyle, including high physical activity levels while onshore, low tobacco use and alcohol intakes within U.K.-recommended guidelines. Responses to in-chamber items demonstrated reduced physical activity, disrupted sleep and distorted taste and smell perception. In addition, lethargy, headaches and musculoskeletal stiffness/soreness were reported as frequent symptoms following a period of time spent in saturation. Conclusion: Results of this study provide an insight into the self-reported practices and attitudes of saturation divers and appear to indicate a generally healthy lifestyle in the respondents. Some themes emerged which may impact on diver health and performance while in saturation. The results of this report may help provide a platform to generate hypotheses for further research and facilitate development of appropriately tailored nutrition and training-based strategies for saturation divers. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 15/11328-2 - Carnosine metabolism in skeletal muscle: a multi-approach study. Substudy 3: exploring carnosine role in skeletal muscle
• Grantee: Eimear Bernadette Dolan
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral