Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the thermal protection provided by a 2-3 mm surfing wet suit during at least two hours of fin diving in shallow water with a temperature of 16-20°C. We examined the effect of wearing the suit while diving in cold water on cognitive performance, muscle strength, and hand motor function. METHODS: Subjects were six male well-trained rebreather divers, 19-23 years old, acclimatised to cold. They attended the laboratory on three separate occasions, when we conducted the experiment at one of three temperatures, 16, 18, and 20°C. Core temperature (gastrointestinal system), skin temperature, oxygen consumption, and cold perception were evaluated during the test. Before and immediately after the dives, subjects performed a series of cognitive, manual dexterity, and muscle strength tests. RESULTS: Core temperature decreased by 0.35-0.81°C over the two hours at all three water temperatures. No subject reached a core temperature below 35°C. The decrease in upper body skin temperature during the two hour dive ranged between 5.97 and 8.41°C (P < 0.05). Two hours diving in 16-20°C water resulted in a significant increase in the time taken to perform the task of unlinking and reassembling four shackles (∼30% longer, P < 0.05). No effect was found on the cognitive or muscle strength tests. CONCLUSIONS: A 2-3 mm wet suit provides adequate thermal protection in trained and cold-acclimatised young males engaged in active diving in shallow water with a temperature of 16°C and above.