title: U.S. Navy saturation diving and diver neuropsychologic status.
abstract: The neuropsychologic status of 25 male U.S. Navy saturation divers was assessed before and after saturation dives conducted at the Navy Experimental Diving Unit. Between 1982 and 1986, 5 dives to simulated depths of 198 to 335 msw were accomplished. Eighteen divers completed 1 dive, and 7 divers completed 2 saturation dives during this period. Dive durations ranged from 26 to 31 d, with helium-oxygen used as the breathing medium. On each dive the men engaged in strenuous, meaningful, in-water work on the bottom. Comparison of neuropsychologic assessment battery results pre- and postdives did not reveal permanent changes in neuropsychologic status. Transient alterations in affect, visual focusing, and physical activity level presented upon surfacing but resolved within 10 d.
authors: U.S. Navy Experimental Diving Unit, Panama City, FL 32407-5001.
authors: M D
authors: MD
authors: Curley
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001274:Atmospheric Pressure; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology; D004242:Diving; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008606:Mental Processes / Q000502:physiology*; D008889:Military Personnel; D009326:Naval Medicine; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D014481:United States