A Comparison of Lung Function Values Among a SCUBA Diver Population and in Comparison to a Non-diver Population

Authors

Gabriel C. Hutson, Francis Marion UniversityFollow
Jeremy D. Rentsch, Francis Marion UniversityFollow
Erin M. Eaton, Francis Marion UniversityFollow

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate possible correlations between lung function values (PEF, IRV, ERV, and FVC) among a diver population, as well as in comparison to a non-diver population. Independent variables for both populations were biological sex, age, and weekly physical activity. Independent variables for the diver population were dive tenure, number of logged dives, certification level, and gas mixture used. A spirometry test was conducted to collect lung function values of both populations. Data from this study suggest a statistically significant relationship between diver and non-diver sex and FVC, diver age and ERV, diver sex and ERV, and non-diver FVC and weekly physical activity.

Recommended Citation

Hutson, Gabriel C.; Rentsch, Jeremy D.; and Eaton, Erin M. (2019) "A Comparison of Lung Function Values Among a SCUBA Diver Population and in Comparison to a Non-diver Population," Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science: Vol. 17: Iss. 2, Article 7.
Available at: https://scholarcommons.sc.edu/jscas/vol17/iss2/7