Int J Sports Med 2009; 30(6): 455-460
DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1128151
Training & Testing

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Military Diving Training Improved Arterial Compliance

L. Mourot 1 , Y. Golé 2 , P. Louge 3 , P. Fontanari 4 , J. Regnard 1 , A. Boussuges 2
  • 1Laboratoire de Physiologie, Université de Franche Comté, Besançon, France
  • 2UMR MD2, P2PCOE – Physiologie et Physiopathologie en conditions d’oxygénation extrême, Université de la Méditerranée et Institut de Médecine Navale, Toulon, France
  • 3Centre d’Instruction navale, Saint-Mandrier, France
  • 4Laboratoire d’Ergonomie Sportive et Performance, 4 Université du Sud Toulon-Var, La Garde, France
Further Information

Publication History

accepted after revision December 17, 2008

Publication Date:
06 February 2009 (online)

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Abstract

This study was aimed at investigating whether repeated SCUBA diving might induce long term cardiovascular and autonomic modifications. In 11 military mine clearance diving students, arterial compliance (ultrasound scan study of brachial artery and ratio of stroke volume to pulse pressure: SV/PP), resting spectral analyses of heart rate and blood pressure variability, and a cold pressor test were performed before and after a 15-week military diving training course. After the diving training, arterial compliance was improved, as indicated by the significant increase in brachial arterial compliance (from 24±10 to 37±14 ml.mmHg−1) and SV/PP (from 1.7±0.2 to 1.9±0.2 ml.mmHg−1), and by the significant decrease in systolic, diastolic and pulse pressures (from 130±8 to 120±7; from 71±4 to 67±4; and from 58±8 to 53±5 mmHg, respectively). The peak oxygen uptake increased significantly from 54.3±2.0 to 56.8±4.0 mL.kg−1.min−1. Finally, the vasoconstrictive response during the cold pressor test increased (p<0.05). These findings point to a positive effect of a 15-week military diving training course on vascular function, and for a concomitant development of some peripheral vascular acclimatization to cold.

References

Correspondence

Dr. L. Mourot

IFR 133 EA3920

Laboratoire de Physiologie

Faculté de Médecine Place St Jacques

Université de Franche Comté

25030 Besançon

France

Phone: +33/81/66 56 54

Fax: +33/81/66 56 14

Email: mourotlaurent@hotmail.com