Psycho-sensorimotor performance in divers exposed to six and seven atmospheres absolute of compressed air.
In the present study, we investigated the psycho-sensorimotor abilities of divers exposed to 6 ATA (50 m of sea water; corresponding to legal limit for occupational diving in North America, United Kingdom, and Northern Europe), or 7 ATA (60 m; the legal limit in France and Southern Europe) of compressed air (1 ATA = 100,000 Pa), using psychometric tests of manual dexterity, visual choice reaction time, and number ordination. The results of the present study showed that abilities in these tests were not significantly altered by pressure exposure to 6 ATA of compressed air. However, data obtained at 7 ATA showed slight but significant decreases in performance. Nevertheless, a few subjects presented large decreases in performance ranging from -20% to -25% of control. Finally, our results supported the ergonomic point of view that the laws limiting occupational diving to 6 ATA (50 m) are better adapted to reality and the requirements of underwater activity.
Abraini
J H
JH
Laboratoire de Biologie des Hautes Pressions, CNRS URA 1330, Faculté de Médecine Nord, Marseille, France.
Joulia
F
F
D000328:Adult; D004242:Diving; D006801:Humans; D006931:Hyperbaric Oxygenation; D007222:Inert Gas Narcosis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011597:Psychomotor Performance; D011930:Reaction Time; D012684:Sensory Thresholds; D014785:Vision, Ocular