Dolan, E., Deb, S., Stephan, G. and Swinton, P. 2016. Brief communication: Self-reported health and activity habits and attitudes in saturation divers. Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine: journal of the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society. 43 (2), pp. 93-101.
| Title | Brief communication: Self-reported health and activity habits and attitudes in saturation divers |
|---|---|
| Authors | Dolan, E., Deb, S., Stephan, G. and Swinton, P. |
| 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. |
| Journal | Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine: journal of the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society |
| Journal citation | 43 (2), pp. 93-101 |
| ISSN | 1066-2936 |
| Year | 2016 |
| Publisher | Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society |
| PubMed ID | 27265986 |
| Publication dates | |
| Published | 01 Mar 2016 |