Maximum aerobic potency, heart rate, vital capacity in normal and ...

EISSN 1676-5133
doi:10.3900/fpj.2.3.167.e
Maximum aerobic potency, heart rate,
vital capacity in normal and hyperbaric
environments
Original Article
Estélio Henrique Martin Dantas
Professor titular do Programa de Pós-graduação Stricto Sensu em Ciência da Motricidade
Humana UCB-RJ
Laboratório de Biociências da Motricidade Humana – LABIMH
estélio@cobrase.com.br
Márcia Albergária
Universidade Estácio de Sá – RJ
albergaria@estacio.br
Carlo Alberto Moreira
poumo@uol.com.br
Alexandre Sobral Lobo Rodrigues
Programa de Pós-graduação Stricto Sensu em Ciência da Motricidade Humana da
UCB-RJ
lobocaplobo@aol.com
Alexander Machado da Silva
Programa de Pós-graduação Stricto Sensu em Ciência da Motricidade Humana da
UCB-RJ
alexanderms@ig.com.br
MOREIRA, C.A.; ALBERGARIA, M.B.; RODRIGUES, A.S.L.; SILVA, A.M.; DANTAS, E.H.M. Maximum aerobic potency, heart rate, vital
capacity in normal and hyperbaric environments. Fitness & Performance Journal, v.2, n.3, p. 167-177, 2003.
ABSTRACT: The submarine atmosphere, from the antiquity, exercise on the man an attraction feeling making him venture trying to unmask it.
Leaving of this verifi cation, she intends in this research to verify physiologic variables. Revising to the literature on present study, they proposed
several treatises specifying the reactions and adaptations so much physiologic as behaviors happened in the organism during immersion. The
model of the descriptive research of the type was followed Survey, where they participated divers of the Navy of Brazil, of the masculine sex, apprentices
of physical activities, in a total of 9, among 20 and 40 years (x=28 +/- 4.3). They executed test effort at the level of the sea and the
18 depth meters (pressurized in hiperbaric chamber), being verifi ed the variables proposals in exercise. The sample was homogenized through
the calculation of percentile of fat, of the perimetria and test chosen neuromotores of performance. The results were analyzed in the signifi -
cance level p < 0.05, established as parameter in this study. The heart rate p=0.1468 > 0.05, it denotes not to exist signifi cant difference
among the verifi ed atmospheres. The maximum consumption of oxygen p=0.00013 < 0.05, and the vital capacity p=0.0126 < 0.05, they
denote to exist signifi cant differences among the atmospheres. Finally, through the obtained data, was ended that the environment infl uence
directly the consumption of oxygen and the vital capacity. As the heart rate, direct infl uence was verifi ed provoked by intensity and duration of
the independent exercise of the atmosphere. This checks the importance of knowing the appraised physiologic reactions and revised in the
literature, as essential components of the performance, confi rming the need to create programs of physical training adapted to the divers.
Keywords: heart rate, maximum consumption of oxygen, vital capacity, divers, hiperbaric chamber
Correspondence to:
Avenida Dezoito do Forte, 776 casa 3 – Centro – São Gonçalo – Rio de Janeiro – CEP 24460-000
Submitted:
March / 2003 Accepted: April / 2003
Copyright© 2003 por Colégio Brasileiro de Atividade Física, Saúde e Esporte
Fit Perf J Rio de Janeiro 2 3
167-177
May/Jun 2003

RESUMO
Potência aeróbica, frequência cardíaca e capacidade vital em ambientes
normo e hiperbárico
O ambiente submarino, desde a antiguidade, exerce sobre o homem um
sentimento de atração, fazendo-o aventurar-se na tentativa de desvendá-lo.
Partindo desta constatação, esta pesquisa propõe-se a verificar variáveis fisiológicas.
Revisando a literatura sobre o presente estudo, levantaram-se vários
tratados especificando as reações e adaptações tanto fisiológicas quanto comportamentais
ocorridas no organismo durante a imersão. Seguiu-se o modelo
da pesquisa descritiva do tipo Survey, onde participaram mergulhadores da
Marinha do Brasil, do sexo masculino, praticantes de atividades físicas, num
total de 9, entre 20 a 40 anos (x=28 +/- 4,3). Executaram um teste de esforço
ao nível do mar e aos 18 metros de profundidade (pressurizados em câmara
hiperbárica), sendo verificadas as variáveis propostas em exercício. A amostra
foi homogeneizada através do cálculo de percentual de gordura, da perimetria,
e testes neuromotores escolhidos de performance. Os resultados são analizados
no nível de significância p 0,05, denota não existir diferença
significativa entre os ambientes verificados. O consumo máximo de oxigênio
p=0,00013 < 0,05, e a capacidade vital p=0,00126 < 0,05, denotam existir
diferenças significativas entre os ambientes. Finalmente, através dos dados obtidos,
conclui-se que o ambiente influencia diretamente o consumo de oxigênio
e a capacidade vital. Quanto à freqüência cardíaca, constatou-se influência
direta provocada pela intensidade e duração do exercício independente do
ambiente. Isto comprova a importância de conhecer as reações fisiológicas
avaliadas e revisadas na literatura, como componentes essenciais da performance,
confirmando a necessidade de criar programas de treinamento físico
adequados aos mergulhadores.
Palavras-chave: freqüência cardíaca, consumo máximo de oxigênio, capacidade
vital, mergulhadores, câmara hiperbárica.
RESUMEN
Potencia aeróbica máxima, frecuencia cardiaca y capacidad vital en
ambientes normo e hiperbárico
El ambiente submarino, desde la antigüedad, ejerce sobre el hombre, un sentimiento
de atracción, haciéndolo aventurarse en la tentativa de descubrirlo.
Partiendo de esta afirmación, esta investigación se propone a verificar variables
fisiológicas. Revisando la literatura sobre el presente estudio, se levantaron varios
tesis especificando las reacciones y adaptaciones, tanto fisiológicas como de
conducta, ocurridas en el organismo durante la inmersión. Se siguió el modelo
de la investigación descripta del tipo Survey, donde participaron buceadores
de la Marina de Brasil, de sexo masculino, que practicaban actividades físicas
totalizando 9, entre 20 a 40 años (x = 28 +/- 4,3). Hicieron una prueba de
esfuerzo al nivel del mar y a los 18 metros de profundidad (colocados en cámara
hiperbárica), siendo controladas las variables propuestas en ejercicio. La muestra
fue homogénea através del cálculo del porcentual de gordura, del perímetro, y
exámenes neuromotores elegidos de performance. Los resultados analizados en el
nivel de significancia p < 0,05, estableciendo como parámetro en ese estudio. La
frecuencia cardíaca p = 0,1468 > 0,05, nos demuestra que no existe diferencia
significativa entre los ambientes estudiados. El consumo de máximo de oxígeno
p = 0,00013 < 0,05, y la capacidad vital p = 0,00126 < 0,05, demuestran
que existen diferencias significativas entre los ambientes. Finalmente, através
de los datos obtenidos, se concluyó que el ambiente influye directamente en el
consumo de oxígeno y la capacidad vital. En cuanto a la frecuencia cardíaca, se
verificó la influencia directa provocada por la intensidad y duración del ejercicio
independiente del ambiente. Esto comprueba la importancia de conocer las
reacciones fisiológicas evaluadas y revisadas en la literatura como componentes
esenciales de la performance, confirmando la necesidad de crear programas de
entrenamiento físico adecuados a los buzos.
Palabras clave: frecuencia cardíaca, consumo máximo de oxígeno, capacidad
vital, buzos, cámara hiperbárica.
INTRODUCTION
The genesis of hyperbaric activities is associated to the necessities
and desires of human beings in conducting military or rescue
operations, in fi nding means to feed themselves and in expanding
their knowledge through the exploration of the environment
and of the research. The hyperbaric activities are an interesting
hobby in the nowadays society and SCUBA diving is considered
an important way of having fun among these activities. On the
other hand, as it is explained by DOUBT (1996), this underwater
activity exposes a person to an environment that is not compatible
to human conditions. Studies done by DENILSON; WAGNER;
KINGAGY & WEST (1972) and AVELLINE; SHAPIRO & PANDOLF
(1983) revealed that, during the diving, human body is exposed to
a new kind of hydrostatic pressure, to another environment density,
and to new caloric conditions, such as its capacity of intensify the
heat loss in comparison to the air, and, sometimes, to circulatory
refl exive stimulus that can modify the cardiocirculatory answers.
With the intention of confi rming the affi rmative above, more and
more relevant adaptable answers are required to recognize the
physical and physiological demands that are added and related
to the diving. Special knowledge is required in order to achieve a
safe practice. FOX and col. (1992) call our attention to the comprehension
of these demands, remembering that the volume of
gases is infl uenced by the pressure and by temperature, the water
is uncompressible and the body contains pneumatic cavities. According
to ASTRAND & RODAHL (1980, p. 583), “human beings
can adapt themselves to low atmospheric pressures, but they are
not able to adapt to high atmospheric pressures”. HIZALAN I and
col. (2002) say that SCUBA diving activities can be practiced safely
if some proceedings are applied, such as clinical exams according
to specifi c medical rules, and necessary care and attention
to the risks of the diving practice. The practice of any diving style
requires from men an intentional movement in order to achieve
their goals. The expression of this movement puts the focus on the
releasing of a Human Mobility Science, which may include in its
context some variety of contents that can be explored, no matter
the conditions of the environment. The content can be explored
by the sea level (normobaric), in high altitudes (hypobaric), or
during the diving in cameras or oceans and lakes (hyperbaric).
Based on scientifi c researches, the conditioning, the training and
the repercussion to divers have relevant roles, which reinforce
the certain of good results and “the importance of these issues to
the conservation, restitution and increase of health and vitality of
men” (MELLEROWICS & MELLER, 1987. p. 6). During many years,
the physical training applied to divers in general came from other
sports, and there was not a characteristic profi le to the activity.
The variety of distinctions among the commercial, military and
sportive applications was transforming the absence of specifi cation
for the divers’ physical training in an even more serious issue.
168 Fit Perf J, Rio de Janeiro, 2, 3, 168, May/Jun 2003

Nowadays, the emphasis is on the investigation of factors that
interfere in the performance of the divers. With this alteration, the
function of the hyperbaric medicine changed also, now it is not
aware only to the physiological issues anymore. The knowledge
of the hyperbaric medicine specialists had also to improve and
now it includes factors such as cold water, lack of compression,
aspiration of mixed gases, and emotional issues (panic, anxiety)
that can interfere in the performance of the divers. VAN WIJK C
H (2002) shows that, in a research conducted by a group of 45
divers from the South African Navy, it was observed that the anxiety
levels of experienced divers were higher than the levels presented
by the group of control (usual divers), according to an Anxiety
Scale and a Questionnaire of Hostility. However, the physiological
orientation must include the psychophysiological fi eld and the
functions of treatment and framing in new dimensions. PEDRO
C D (1999) says that, in researches done in order to verify the
quality of the underwater work and the human behavior during the
diving, it was proved that the diving stress exists and the special
conditions of the hyperbaric environment interfere directly and
negatively in the quality of the work. These conditions interfere in
the intellectual process fi rstly, and later in the capacity of perception
and in the psychomotor process. The researches concluded also
that qualities such as the person’s personality, temperament and
diving experience have a crucial role in the quality of the work, and
that many of the work accidents are related to the psychological
nature of the person. Nowadays, researchers look for the unifi -
cation of the “Army Physiology” and the “Hyperbaric Medicine”
with the intention of obtaining new knowledge and applying it in
order to attain divers’ better performances. During the methodological
planning of the physical training, divers’ characteristics
and particularities, their technical graduation, their previous
knowledge and their motivation must be considered. But how to
describe a program of physical preparation if the physiological
and psychophysiological patterns are not adequately exposed
in academic and scientifi c national databases In the last years,
infl uenced by the attraction of the underwater world, through a
coast with the Atlantic Ocean which size is 7408 km, submarine
hunt, sportive diving and commercial exploration had a boom,
which explains the development of this study. The development of
the ‘’military divers’’, the group that is the focus of this study, faced
to the particularities they have such as: (a) these professionals are
ruled by fi xed relations and so it is possible to follow them in an
organized and continuous way; (b) they present characteristics and
procedures that get together because of institutional reasons; (c)
the professionals have to do constant diets; and (d) many times,
they have to live in military areas, which facilitate the intervention
of the researcher, are the objects of this study. Our research had
the intention of contributing to professionals that act or intend to
act in the physical preparation of athletes or teams, studying some
characteristics of the physiological patterns that were evaluated
in this group, and verifying which methodological patterns must
be considered in order to describe the training model. This study
also gives a specifi c view about some physiological changes
and effects that are caused by the atmospheric press. In order to
conclude this research, we searched more concise explanations
about the heart rate, the vital capacity and the maximum oxygen
consumption during the hyperbaric exposition, what can make
the construction of physical training models that are adequate to
the specifi c diving activities characteristics possible in the future.
This study evaluates only the heart rate (FC in Portuguese), the
maximum oxygen consumption (VO 2Max
) during the effort, and the
vital capacity (CV in Portuguese), considering the same sample
in the sea level and in the hyperbaric environment (hyperbaric
camera – multiplace), in 18m low (2.8 ATA). This deep offers the
safe levels that are required in diving operations with compressed
air, adopted by Brazilian Navy.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Subjects Selection
The subjects who were selected for this study (a total of 9 people)
are male, healthy and apt to the diving practice, and they are
between 20 and 24 years old. All the Military Divers from Almirante
Castro e Silva Base – Brazilian Navy – are volunteers, and
they practice physical activities (Military Physical Training – TFM
in Portuguese). The participants were selected through the criteria
of inclusion and exclusion and they signed the agreement term.
Criteria of Inclusion
The individuals in this study are healthful, according to the medical
examination carried by Junta de Saúde para Atividades Especiais
da Marinha do Brasil (Inspeção de Saúde para fi ns de Controle
Anual de Mergulho).They are conditioned because they practice
physical activities continuously (Physical Military Training), they
have good adaptability to the hyperbaric variations (Military
Divers), and they have answered the standardized questionnaire
for the study.
Criteria of Exclusion
People who had arterial pressure higher than the normal levels
were excluded from this study, according to V JNC (1993): ”category
- normal: systolic pressure (mmHg) - < 130; dialostic pressure
(mmHg) - 85”; the ones who was with the percentage of fat
higher than the standard established, according to CHICHARRO
& VAQUERO (1995, p.254): “men - above 25%”; and the ones
who belonged the conditions that disqualify the study, adapted
from BOVE and col. (1990, p.314). From the selected sample,
there were 5 desistences, and 11 people were excluded because
they not have the characteristics required in this study.
PROTOCOLS
Protocol of evaluation of the VO 2Max
The Protocol of Evaluation of the VO 2
chosen was the “Balke Method”
(ARAÚJO, 1986; MARINS & GIANNICHI, 1996), in which
it is used 25 gradual loads in Watts in the case of athletes or in
good physical conditions. The use of oxygen could be estimated
Fit Perf J, Rio de Janeiro, 2, 3, 169, May/Jun 2003 169

through the formula of the American College of Sports Medicine
(1991), verifying the corporal weight of the participant before the
accomplishment of the test, as well as the last load completed by
the person in Watts.
Formula: Mechanic Bicycle
VO 2Max
= Kpm x 2 + 300
Weight (kg)
In the formula above, we notice that each Kpm consumes 2 ml of
O 2
for each kilogram of weight/minute, therefore each Watt =12
ml of O 2.
The sum of 300 ml corresponds to the basal energy if
to pedal with any load. (ARAUJO, 1986, P.81). The application
of the protocol was approached in a crossed form: it starts with
the sample (5) initiated with the test at the level of the sea, and to
the other part (4) in the chamber, obeying the enumerated stages
that follow: (a) execution of the effort test obeying the demanded
protocol at the level of the sea (1 act), getting the VO 2Max
of indirect
form; (b) application of the same protocol in the depth of 18
meters (2.8 act) in the hyperbaric chamber. The intensity of the
exercise was followed each minute through the index of subjective
perception of the effort – Scale of BORG – modifi ed.
Evaluation Protocol of the Cardiac Frequency
The cardiac frequency was monitored in the environment of test
through monitor for telemetry, model polar interface # 2390018,
which uses a signal from the chest to a portable clock of pulse
that shows the frequency in accordance with the intensity of the
exercise.
Evaluation Protocol of the Vital Capacity
Capacity vital was evaluated in many environments where the
participant was seated modifi ed the position in function of the
internal space of the chamber that does not allow the individual
to keep stand), front to the spirometer, going after the following
steps: (a) blockage of the nostrils so that the air could not exhale
trough the nose; (b) accomplishment of a maximum inspiration;
(c) position the mouthpiece of the spirometer well adjusted in the
mouth; and (d) accomplishment of a maximum expiration.
Protocols of Verification of the Gaussian nature
of the Sample
Apnea
The evaluation of the apnea obeyed the following stages: (a) in
the seated position, the participant executed a hyperventilation; (b)
after that, the nostrils were obstructed so he/she could not exhale
air during the time of permanence without breathing (higher possible
time). The same procedure was applied to the environments
of evaluation, being computed the best time in seconds of the
best of three experiments executed.
Thoracic perimeter
The protocol of evaluation of the thoracic perimeter was made
according to MARINS & GIANNICHI, 1996, having as reference
the meso point – sternal, independent of the thoracic taking
that was being used: (a) normal thorax (collected in the end of
a normal inspiration); (b) aspiratory thorax (collected in the end
of a maximum aspiration); and (c) expiratory thorax (collected
in the end of a forced maximum expiration).
Fat Percentage
The evaluation of the percentage of fat was gotten through
the measurations of skin folds where the points should to be
selected according to the method chosen. According to the
“Technique of JACKSON & POLLOCK”, cited for MARINS and
col., 1996, P. 45, the skin fold must be clipped by the thumb
fi nger and the index fi nger, trying to apprehend the biggest
amount of adipose tissue without apprehending the muscular
tissue. The pair of compasses is placed of perpendicular way in
the fold so that each measures made three times in the different
points and collects.
Neuromonitoring tests
The neuromonitoring tests were evaluated through specifi c protocols,
without special equipment use, and compared with the
average values (CARNIVAL, 1995; LAZZOLI, 1996; MARINS
and col., 1996).
Instructions to the Participants
All the participants were instructed about the protocols used in
the tests, physical laws, possibilities of accidents, physiological
alterations in the hyperbaric way and poisoning for the oxygen.
This instruction was presented in a more theoretical way through
lecture made by the researcher.
Instrumentation
The following instruments were used in this research: (a) hyperbaric
chamber like multiplace with external operator; (b) polar interface
# 2390018; (c) Atlanta bicycle; (d) a pair of compasses with skin
folds – Harpenden; (e) portable spirometer; (f) anthropometric
tape and measure tape; and (g) portable balance.
Measures
To collect the data we used instrumentation and notes made in
standardized fi les for the research.
Total Corporal Weight
The total corporal weight was determined when the participant
was wearing swimming trunks, with bare-footed feet, being in erect
and biped position and on the platform of the balance staring the
point in front of her/him.
Stature
The stature was measured through the altimeter found in the
majority of the scales or confectioned through the setting of a
measure tape in a wall without unevenness. According to MARIS
and col. (1996):
170 Fit Perf J, Rio de Janeiro, 2, 3, 170, May/Jun 2003

In order to have a correct measure technique of the stature, the
participant have to be bare-footed, with the joined heels and relaxed
arms, and to be instructed to be the most erect it is possible.
(...) Another referential for the position of the head includes the
positioning of the Plan of Frankfurt. (p.34)
Skin Folds
The skin folds were measured by the right size of the body, which
is a recommendation of the Constitutional Anthropometry
Committee of the Food and Nutrition Group of the National
Council of Research (USA) and of the International Committee
of the Physical Disposition Tests Standardization (RODRIGUES &
CARNAVAL, 1985).
Circumference
They were collected with the utilization of the anthropometric ribbon
in order to obtain the perimeters that were used in this study.
Vital Capacity
It was said previously by the COURNAND’s normogram, which
was evaluated by HOLLMANN & HETTINGER (1989, p.411) as
the portable exhalation equipment, a “machine that allows the
exhalation measurement through the reading of the vital capacity
level” (CARNAVAL, 1995, p. 133).
Neuromotor Tests
These tests were collected by their specifi c protocols and compared
to classifi catory tables.
Statistic Approach
The statistic approach of this study observed some basic considerations
for the preservation of the research legitimacy. This way, p < 0.05 means
95% of assurance in affi rmatives. Descriptive Statistic Techniques
were used in order to characterize the sample that was researched.
Statistics of Inference was also used to evaluate the formulated hypothesis,
by the t Student’s Test, according to the “One Sample” protocol.
Considering the limitations determined by the sample size (n=9), the
study in particular and all the affi rmatives and/or negatives found
were limited, so the Design of the study was structured as following:
– Sample – 9 military divers
– Two environments – 1 atm (Sea Level) and 2.8 ATA (Hyperbaric)
– Three variables – VO 2 Max
+ FC + CV
– One Protocol – Balke Protocol
In order to verify the existence of signifi cant changes in the averages
of the analytical variables, VO 2Max
, FC, and CV, the Student’s Test
was used with two pairs of samples (1 atm and 2.8 ATA to the same
person), which was oriented to small samples with the purpose of
comparing two averages with independent normal distributions
and not necessarily equal variances. Thus, the averages in relation
to each pressure were observed. The analytic values of the t test
obey to the liberty degree (g.l. in Portuguese) when the inter-groups
analysis (1 atm and 2.8 ATA) corresponds to 8, according to TABLE
The value of the analytical T is the fundamental base of the Null
Hypothesis analysis (equality among averages). The Hypothesis
is considered true when the calculated T is lesser or equal to the
analytical T. On the other hand, when the calculated T is superior
or equal to the analytical T, the Hypothesis is considered false.
The omega reference is calculated from the data n=9 and the
calculated T, with the relative value (%) of the inferences faced to
the pressure change upon the absolute values observed and the
disparity among averages.
PRESENTATION
AND DISCUSSION OF RESULTS
Presentation of Results
To a better comprehension of the collected data, procedures of
the Descriptive Statistics were used in order to characterize the
sample. All the variables are presented according to the basic
values of the statistics (see Frame 1).
The participants of the research are between 20 and 40 years
old, and all of them are male. Frame 2 shows the participants’
old averages, weights and heights.
The old average in this group is 28 years old, Standard Deviation
= 4.3; the weight average is 76.7 kg, Standard Deviation = 8.32;
and the height average is 173.8, Standard Deviation = 6.33.
Data of the Sample Homogenization
Many components of the performance were evaluated and their
averages were compared to standard protocols in order to maintain
the homogenization in the researched group.
Body Composition (% F)
The TABLE 3 shows the Average, Standard deviation and amplitude
of the fat percentage (%F), obtained through the method of skin
fold in the sample.
Table 1 – Inter-groups analysis
Analysis Liberty Degree p Significance Analytical T
Inter-Groups 8 0.05 2.306
Frame 1 - Statistics presentation
STATISTICS
n – Number of Observations
Average – Value of Central Tendency
S. D. – Standard Deviation
Minimum – Minimum Observed Value
Maximum – Maximum Observed Value
Table 2 – Average, standard deviation, minimum and maximum
of the sample
Variable n Average S.D. Minimum Maximum
Years Old 9 28 4.3 23 36
Weight (Kg) 9 76.7 8.32 65.0 89.0
Height (cm) 9 173.8 6.33 164.5 182.0
Fit Perf J, Rio de Janeiro, 2, 3, 171, May/Jun 2003 171

Considering the Fat Percentage Average = 13.4. Standard Deviation
= 4.12, with n = 9, and comparing the %F with the classifi -
catory table, the sample was found in the “average“ (9% -16%),
according to FARINATTI & MONTEIRO, 1992.
Flexibility, Abdominal, Arm Flexion and Extension
and Extension on the Bar
The TABLE 4 shows the Average, Standard Deviation and Amplitude
for the tests of fl exibility, abdominal, fl exion, arm extension
and fl exion and extension on the bar, evaluated according to the
number of repetitions.
Flexibility Average = 12.9. Standard Deviation = 5.23. Comparing
that with the age band of the sample, the classifi cation
“bad” was found, according to MORROW, JACKSON, DISCH &
MOOD, 1995. The most important factor in order to obtain this
classifi cation is the little emphasis in the fulfi llment of the patterns
of physical training.
In the 1 minute test, Average = 46.9, Standard Deviation =
6.5, the classifi cation “good” was found, according to MOR-
ROW, JACKSON, DISCH & MOOD, 1995. In the arm fl exion
and extension test, Average = 31.6, Standard deviation = 5.5,
the classifi cation “above the average” was found, according to
MORROW, JACKSON, DISCH & MOOD, 1995. In the Flexion
and Extension on the Bar test, Average = 7.3, Standard Deviation
= 2.5, the classifi cation “good” was found, according to MOR-
ROW, JACKSON, DISCH & MOOD, 1995, ranging between the
amplitudes of 5 (minimum) and 12 (maximum).
Vertical Jump and Long Jump
The TABLE 5 shows the Average, Standard Deviation and Amplitude
of the Vertical Jump and Long Jump test, measured in
centimeters.
Table 3 – Fat Percentage (%F)
Variable n Average S.D. Minimum Maximum
% F 9 13.4 4.12 9.7 21.7
Table 4 – Flexibility, abdominal, arm flexion and extension and
flexion and extension on the bar (number of repetitions)
Variable n Average S.D. Minimum Maximum
Flexibility 9 12.9 5.23 3 20.5
Abdominal 9 46.9 6.5 37 60
Arm Flexion and Extension 9 31.6 5.5 24 40
Flexion and Extension/ Bar 9 7.3 2.3 5 12
The Vertical Jump test, Average = 99.4 and Standard Deviation
= 14.27, was classifi ed as “excellent”, according to MARINS &
GIANNICHI, 1996. The Long Jump test, Average = 222.2 and
Standard Deviation = 18.69, was classifi ed as “weak”, according
to MARINS & GIANNICHI, 1996. It has been realized that all
the values are low for the variable Long Jump. The gaps in the
physical training of this group have to be taken in consideration,
because it is the same for other groups, within this armed force,
which use the same manual.
Thoracic Perimeter
The TABLE 6 shows the Average, Standard Deviation and thoracic
perimeter evaluated in different stages of the breathing process,
evaluated in centimeters.
The averages of the normal Thoracic Perimeter = 97.6 and
Standard Deviation = 4.68, of the Inhaling Thoracic Perimeter =
101.0 and Standard Deviation = 5.12, and the Exhaling Thoracic
Perimeter = 95.7 and Standard Deviation = 4.70, keep the
pattern with a thorax designed for the suitability of the training,
including the apnea training.
Apnea
The TABLE 7 shows the Average, Standard Deviation and amplitude
of the apnea, on the sea level (1 atm) and on 18 meters
(2.8 ATA), in seconds.
On the sea level the apnea Average was 120 and the Standard
Deviation 33.8. At 18m the Average was 142 and the Standard
Deviation 39.4. According to the comparative analytical system
of the average values of the chosen variable in the pressures
of 1 atm and 2.8 ATA a signifi cant difference was found,
Table 5 – Vertical jump and long jump (cm)
Variable n Average S.D. Minimum Maximum
Vertical Jump 9 99.4 14.27 68.0 120.0
Long Jump 9 222.2 18.69 192.0 251.0
Table 6 – Thoracic perimeters (Cm)
Variable n Average S.D. Minimum Maximum
Normal Thorax 9 97.6 4.68 92.0 109.0
Inhaling Thorax 9 101.0 5.12 95.0 111.0
Exhaling Tórax 9 95.7 4.70 91.0 107.0
Table 7 - Apnéa (sec)
Apnea
Variable n Average S.D. Minimum Maximum
1 atm 9 120 33.8 57 161
2.8 ATA 9 142 39.4 62 180
Table 8 – Research data
Variable Calculated t Level of significance
Comparison between
the groups
Effects over the
group
w2 Omega
Square
VO 2Max
6.8427 0.00013 1 atm > 2.8 ATA Decrease 71.8%
HR 1.6064 0.1468 1 atm = 2.8 ATA Any ---
VC 4.8571 0.00126 1 atm > 2.8 ATA Decrease 55.7%
Apnea 2.8060 0.0229 1 atm < 2.8 ATA Increase 27.6%
172 Fit Perf J, Rio de Janeiro, 2, 3, 172, May/Jun 2003

p < 0.0229 < 0.05, in such case the average of the apnea
found in 1 atm < 2.8 ATA, and the change of pressure were
related to 27.6% of the difference found between the average in
the respective pressures.
The extrapolation of this variable, according to the bibliographic
references, was due to the gaseous dissolubility in the atmospheric
pressure, enhanced according to straight application of
Henry’s law.
Research Data
The research data are present in the table below, according to
the statistic procedure for this study.
The maximum use of oxygen reached a significant level
p

to the level of p=0.001260.05.
Statistical Hypotheses
H 1
and H 01
H 1
- The heart rate (HR) decreased noticeably p0.05,
proving conclusively that this hypothesis is not possible.
H 01
- The Heart Rate (HR) of a person subjected to an exercise
stress test in hyperbaric environment did not show signifi cant
change p0.05,
proving conclusively that H 01
is true.
According to what is shown in the TABLE 9 and the H 01
, during
the exercise stress test the HR changes being more closely related
to intensity (BORG scale) and length, regardless of the pressure
of the place where the test takes place.
H 2
and H 0
2
H 2
- The maximum consumption of oxygen (Max VO 2
) increases
signifi cantly p

aric environment is supposedly, resulting from a physiological
mechanism of maintenance of oxygen called Mammalian Diving
Refl ex. However, there is still doubt if human beings have the
complex cardiovascular response system found in some diving
mammals. The bradycardia found in the recovery is reasonably
well established, but it is confl icting with this physiologic response
during the exercise in marine environment, and suggests that such
differences towards the heart rate in apnea are mostly related to
the large number of routines employed, lacking, in many cases,
of controlling factors that change the HR, and partially due to the
lack of uniformity in the understanding of the results found. These
factors are: the infl uence of temperature and physical condition of
the person, variation of lung volume, depth of immersion in the
water, body position, and psychological conditions of the person
and also the infl uences of sex and age. MANLEY also says that
the bradycardia as physiological response in diving and its factors
must be carefully studied, and the complete understanding would
depend on further research which could also ad to the system with
a more holistic approach.
CONCLUSIONS AND ASSESSMENT
Conclusions
After considering the fi ndings obtained by the means of statistical
procedures, the physical changes caused by the increase of the
atmospheric pressure over the human body, it may be said that
the both variables (maximum consumption of oxygen and vital
capacity) are noticeably infl uenced by the environment. About
the Heart Rate, it was found in this study that regardless of the
environment, it is directly infl uenced by the intensity and length
of the exercise.
With the increase in the maximum consumption of oxygen, the
heart rate has also changed. Both kept a linear relation to amount
of exercise done, it means that, with the increase in the amount
of exercise, the consumption of oxygen and the heart rate also
increased during the test, for the same person.
The conclusion is that, unlike the equations to estimate the
maximum consumption of oxygen on the sea level, in the environment
of a dive reliable equations have not been found, since
physiological adaptive interferences, such as environment stress,
temperature balance and oxygen partial pressure, will infl uence the
outcome. These factors are also enhanced by the use of different
diving equipments, which make the use of single algorithms less
effective, and even more when related to the heart rate.
The knowledge of the physiological responses and changes contribute
signifi cantly to an enlargement of the safety of any kind of
dive. Such information is very helpful for the detailed planning
of strategies aimed to help in the development of programs of
physical training and fi tness, taking in consideration that physical
demands on diving are increased by a higher environmental pressure.
The knowledge on the physiological responses and changes
has helped considerably to assure the safety of any kind of dive.
This information is very useful in the detailed planning of strategies
aimed to help the development of programs of physical training
and fi tness, taking in consideration that the physical demands in
the diving are increased due to a higher environmental pressure.
Assessment
Along this study, there was the need to fi ll the blanks in the knowledge
of the physiological changes caused by the increase of the
pressure, and it was found that it is impossible to waste the subject
in only one study. It is suggested that, therefore, news studies
aiming to improve, even more, the knowledge on such subject.
It is also advisable:
The sample group must have a larger number of people, including
civilian divers;
Data on the pathologies related to hyperbaric environment must
be included;
More sophisticate equipment must be used in order to obtain the
variables proposed.
It is recommended that professionals of Physical Education work
towards developing programs of physical activities which may
fulfi ll the needs of the divers, professionals and athletes, not only
physiologically, but also psycophysiologically. It is also recommended
that, the institutions in general work towards the development
of research and projects aimed to improve the knowledge on
the changes in the human body in its changes, when subjected
to higher pressure, in order to, make available to the scientifi c
community, and also for the divers, the knowledge on the physiological
behavior of the human body in hyperbaric environment.
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