What Researchers Did
Researchers studied 16 trained military divers to see if aerobic exercise 2 hours before a dive to 30 meters reduced bubble formation after decompression.
What They Found
Divers who exercised 2 hours before diving had significantly lower mean bubble grades (0.44) compared to control dives (1.25) 60 minutes after surfacing. No divers showed an increase in bubbles after exercise, suggesting that 45 minutes of running before a dive helps reduce bubble formation after decompression.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
For Canadian divers, this study suggests that performing 45 minutes of aerobic exercise, such as running, two hours before a dive could help reduce the risk of developing decompression sickness by decreasing bubble formation. Incorporating this type of pre-dive exercise into diving routines might offer a simple, non-pharmacological way to enhance dive safety.
Canadian Relevance
This study covers decompression sickness, which is a Health Canada-recognized indication for hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Study Limitations
The study acknowledges that the exact intensity and duration of exercise needed for this protective effect, and the underlying mechanisms, are still unknown.