Negative neurofunctional effects of frequency, depth and environment in recreational scuba diving: the Geneva "memory dive" study. Issue 2 (23rd March 2004)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Slosman, D O; de Ribaupierre, S; Chicherio, C; Ludwig, C; Montandon, M-L; Allaoua, M; Genton, L; Pichard, C; Grousset, A; Mayer, E; Annoni, J-M; de Ribaupierre, A
• Is Part Of: British journal of sports medicine. Volume 38:Issue 2(2004)
• Page Start: 108
• Page End: 114
• Publication Date: 2004-03-23
• Subjects: BMI -- cerebral perfusion -- cognitive performance -- scuba diving -- SPECT -- Xenon-133; CBF, cerebral blood flow -- DCS, decompression sickness -- SPECT, single photon emission computed tomography; Sports medicine -- Periodicals; 617.1027
• DOI: 10.1136/bjsm.2002.003434
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-3674

Abstract

Abstract : Objectives: To explore relationships between scuba diving activity, brain, and behaviour, and more specifically between global cerebral blood flow (CBF) or cognitive performance and total, annual, or last 6 months' frequencies, for standard dives or dives performed below 40 m, in cold water or warm sea geographical environments. Methods: A prospective cohort study was used to examine divers from diving clubs around Lac Léman and Geneva University Hospital. The subjects were 215 healthy recreational divers (diving with self-contained underwater breathing apparatus). Main outcome measures were: measurement of global CBF by 133 Xe SPECT (single photon emission computed tomography); psychometric and neuropsychological tests to assess perceptual-motor abilities, spatial discrimination, attentional resources, executive functioning, and memory; evaluation of scuba diving activity by questionnaire focusing on number and maximum depth of dives and geographical site of the diving activity (cold water v warm water); and body composition analyses (BMI). Results: (1) A negative influence of depth of dives on CBF and its combined effect with BMI and age was found. (2) A specific diving environment (more than 80% of dives in lakes) had a negative effect on CBF. (3) Depth and number of dives had a negative influence on cognitive performance (speed, flexibility and inhibition processing in attentional tasks). (4) A negative effect of a specific diving environment on cognitive performance (flexibility and inhibition components) was found. Conclusions: Scuba diving may have long-term negative neurofunctional effects when performed in extreme conditions, namely cold water, with more than 100 dives per year, and maximal depth below 40 m.