@article {Eynan:May 2003:0095-6562:537,
author = "Eynan, Mirit",
author = "Daskalovic, Yochanan I.",
author = "Arieli, Yehuda",
author = "Arieli, Ran",
author = "Shupak, Avi",
author = "Eilender, Esther",
author = "Kerem, Dan H.",
title = "Training Improves Divers Ability to Detect Increased CO2",
journal = "Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine",
volume = "74",
year = "May 2003",
abstract = "Eynan M, Daskalovic YI, Arieli Y, Arieli R, Shupak A, Eilender E, Kerem DH. Training improves divers' ability to detect increased CO2 . Aviat Space Environ Med 2003; 74:537-45. Background: Elevated arterial Pco2 (hypercapnia) is a known risk in diving with closed circuit breathing apparatus. In a retrospective study, we determined CO2 retention and the ability to detect CO2 in novice divers who were either CO2-recognition-trained subjects (TS) or untrained subjects (UTS). Methods: Ventilatory and perceptual responses to variations in inspired CO2 (range 0-5.6 kPa, 0-42 mm Hg) during moderate exercise were assessed in novice Israeli Navy divers on active duty. Tests were carried out on 231 TS and 213 UTS. Results: The minimal mean inspired Pco2 that could be detected was 4.8 ± 1.6 kPa (36 ± 12 mm Hg) in UTS and 2.9 ± 0.7 kPa (22 ± 5 mm Hg) in TS (p < 0.0001). No significant changes were found in Petco2 between the two groups during exposure to a Pico2 of 5.6 kPa (42 mm Hg). There were 46 TS who were found to be CO2 retainers (more than +1 SD above the mean) and 19 were classified as poor detectors (more than +1 SD above the mean). Seven subjects exhibited both traits. During actual oxygen diving performed later by this group, the only four cases of CNS-oxygen toxicity were among those seven subjects (p < 0.01). Conclusions: We conclude that CO2 recognition training improves the diver's capability to detect CO2. We suggest that a diver who is both a poor CO2 detector and a CO2 retainer will be prone to CNS-oxygen toxicity.",
pages = "537-545(9)",
url = "http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/asma/asem/2003/00000074/00000005/art00008"
}