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European Journal of Applied Physiology

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01-03-2015 | Original Article

Eccentric exercise 48 h prior to simulated diving has no effect on vascular bubble formation in rats

Authors: Arve Jørgensen, Anna Ekdahl, Marianne B. Havnes, Ingrid Eftedal

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 3/2015

Abstract

Purpose

Decompression sickness (DCS) caused by vascular bubble formation is a major risk when diving. Prior studies have shown that physical exercise has a significant impact in both reducing and increasing bubble formation. There is limited knowledge about the mechanisms, but there are indications that exercise-induced muscle injury prior to diving may cause increased bubble formation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of exercise-induced muscle injury as a possible mechanism of bubble formation during diving.

Methods

Muscle injury was induced by exposing female Sprague–Dawley rats (n = 30) to a single bout of eccentric exercise, 100 min intermittent, downhill (–16°) treadmill running. Forty-eight hours later, the animals were exposed to a 50-min simulated saturation dive (709 kPa) in a pressure chamber, when the degree of muscle injury and inflammation would be the most pronounced. Bubble formation after the dive was observed by ultrasonic imaging for 4 h.

Results

No difference in bubble loads was found between the groups at any time despite evident muscle injury. Maximum bubble loads (bubbles cm⁻² heart cycle⁻¹) were not different, exercise: 1.6 ± 3.5 SD vs control: 2.2 ± 4.1 SD, P = 0.90, n = 15 in each group.

Conclusions

Eccentric exercise performed 48 h prior to diving causes skeletal muscle injury but does not increase the amount of vascular bubbles in rats. The prevailing recommendation is that physical activity prior to diving is a risk factor of DCS. However, present and previous studies implicate that pre-dive physical activity does not increase the DCS risk.

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Title: Eccentric exercise 48 h prior to simulated diving has no effect on vascular bubble formation in rats
Authors: Arve Jørgensen
Anna Ekdahl
Marianne B. Havnes
Ingrid Eftedal
Publication date: 01-03-2015
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 3/2015
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-014-3046-z

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Eccentric exercise 48 h prior to simulated diving has no effect on vascular bubble formation in rats

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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