Key result
Scuba diving submersion linked to a ~21% heart rate reduction alongside increased autonomic activity.
Why the study?
Heart rate profiles and heart rate variability patterns during scuba diving under real-world conditions in non-selected divers of different ages were not well described.
Does scuba diving alter heart rate profiles and heart rate variability in non-selected divers?
Population
18 separate dives by non-selected scuba divers of different ages
Comparison
Heart rate and variability before submersion vs during diving and after resurfacing
Design
Observational study using underwater ECG recordings with silver-loaded dry electrodes
Follow-up
Duration of the dive (before submersion, during diving, after resurfacing)
Authors
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May inform pre-dive risk assessment in cardiac patients but should not change practice; leaves open prospective validation of autonomic effects.
Observational
Does scuba diving alter heart rate profiles and heart rate variability in non-selected divers?
Absolute Event Rate: 90% vs 114%
p-value: p=0.008
Scuba diving induces a significant bradycardic response and simultaneous sympathetic and parasympathetic activation, which may explain cardiovascular incidents during diving.
Schaller et al. (2021) conducted an observational in Scuba diving. Scuba diving submersion vs. Before submersion was evaluated on Heart rate after submersion (p=0.008). Scuba diving submersion significantly reduced median heart rate from 114 bpm to 90 bpm (p=0.008), with a median reduction of 21%, alongside increased autonomic nervous system activity.
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