Effect of Skin Diving on Lung Volumes

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Abstract
Based on a common experience of instructors at the Escape Training Tank, namely that during their tour of duty they learn to hold their breath longer and breathe differently, a study of their pulmonary capacities was undertaken. Vital capacity, inspiratory reserve, and total lung capacity of the Tank instructors were found significantly larger than those of a group of laboratory personnel representing average individuals. When measured vital capacities of the two groups were compared with vital capacities predicted on the basis of body surface area, the measured values of the Tank instructors were 14.6 % higher than predicted, while those of the laboratory personnel were 0.56% lower. A longitudinal study of the lung volumes of instructors performed over a period of one year following their assignment to the Escape Training Tank demonstrated a significant increase in inspiratory reserve, tidal volume, vital capacity, and total lung capacity, while expiratory reserve and residual volume did not change significantly. Adaptation of the lung volumes to the stress of skin diving is indicated.

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