Torso Heating of Divers in Cold Water
O'connor P, Hyde D, Clarke J. Torso heating of divers in cold water. Aviat Space Environ Med 2009; 80:603–9.
Introduction: Cold water immersion could compromise both the effectiveness and safety of a diver. This paper reports an evaluation of the utility of providing external heating to divers in cold water. Methods: Seven U.S. Navy divers wearing semidry suits were submerged in 7.2°C water for 2 h. In the heated condition, a total of 35 W was delivered to each of four heating pads (total area 2477 cm2) placed on the torso of the divers. In the unheated condition, the participants received no external heating. Results: The participants believed they were more comfortable in the heated, than the unheated condition. However, objective data did not support this perception. In fact, heating the torso had a significantly detrimental effect on the body's thermoregulatory ability, and lacked a positive effect on manual dexterity. Cognitive test performance was not affected by the exposure. Discussion: Heating the torso did not have a positive effect on diver performance. Moreover, heating the torso of a diver may actually increase susceptibility to hypothermia.
Introduction: Cold water immersion could compromise both the effectiveness and safety of a diver. This paper reports an evaluation of the utility of providing external heating to divers in cold water. Methods: Seven U.S. Navy divers wearing semidry suits were submerged in 7.2°C water for 2 h. In the heated condition, a total of 35 W was delivered to each of four heating pads (total area 2477 cm2) placed on the torso of the divers. In the unheated condition, the participants received no external heating. Results: The participants believed they were more comfortable in the heated, than the unheated condition. However, objective data did not support this perception. In fact, heating the torso had a significantly detrimental effect on the body's thermoregulatory ability, and lacked a positive effect on manual dexterity. Cognitive test performance was not affected by the exposure. Discussion: Heating the torso did not have a positive effect on diver performance. Moreover, heating the torso of a diver may actually increase susceptibility to hypothermia.
Document Type: Research Article
Publication date: 01 July 2009
- The peer-reviewed monthly journal, Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine (ASEM) provides contact with physicians, life scientists, bioengineers, and medical specialists working in both basic medical research and in its clinical applications. It is the most used and cited journal in its field. ASEM is distributed to more than 80 nations.
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