Journal of Applied Physiology Watch the video to learn how APS reaches out to developing nations.
HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS
QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced]


     

J Appl Physiol 18: 457-465, 1963;
8750-7587/63 $5.00
This Article
Right arrow Full Text (PDF)
Right arrow Submit a response
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me when eLetters are posted
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Services
Right arrow Email this article to a friend
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Citing Articles
Right arrow Citing Articles via HighWire
Right arrow Citing Articles via Google Scholar
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by Hong, S. K.
Right arrow Articles by Kang, B. S.
Right arrow Search for Related Content
PubMed
Right arrow Articles by Hong, S. K.
Right arrow Articles by Kang, B. S.

Diving pattern, lung volumes, and alveolar gas of the Korean diving woman (ama)

S. K. Hong 1, H. Rahn 1, D. H. Kang 1, S. H. Song 1, and B. S. Kang 1

1 Department of Physiology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea, and Department of Physiology, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York

Lung volumes and alveolar gases during actual dives were studied in the Korean diving women, or ama. These women dive without assistance. Average descent and ascent velocities are 0.6 m/sec. Maximal depth and duration of dive observed were 17 m and 82 sec, respectively. However, typical sustained diving activity is to a depth of 5 m for 30 sec, averaging 60 dives/hr. This diving pattern is compared with the assisted dives of the Japanese ama lasting 60 sec and reaching a depth of about 20 m. Prior to diving the lung is filled to 85% of vital capacity. About 700 ml of this gas are lost upon return to the surface. A slight hyperventilation before dive reduces the Pco2 to 28. At the bottom the fractional composition of O2 as well as CO2 is less than before dive indicating that both gases are removed by the circulation. The compression of the gases accounts for the reversal of CO2 transport. Upon return to the surface CO2 leaves the blood and reaches normal values while the O2 is very low. At the bottom O2 pressure is high due to compression but falls rapidly upon ascent. The detailed pattern of gas exchange is discussed.

Submitted on September 28, 1962




This article has been cited by other articles:


Home page
 ChestHome page
Y. Adir, A. Shupak, A. Laor, and D. Weiler-Ravell
Large Lungs in Divers: Natural Selection or a Training Effect?
Chest, July 1, 2005; 128(1): 224 - 228.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 ThoraxHome page
British Thoracic Society guidelines on respiratory aspects of fitness for diving
Thorax, January 1, 2003; 58(1): 3 - 13.
[Full Text] [PDF]


HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS
Visit Other APS Journals Online