Studies on the Diving Bradycardia in the Athletes

운동선수에 있어서 잠수서맥에 관한 연구

In an attempt to clarify the influence of lung volume and water temperature on the heart rate response during apneic face immersion in the trained athletes, 10 soccer players were studied while holding their breath as long as possible after full inspiration(TLC), full expiration(RV) or normal breath(FRC) with face immersion in water. The electrocardiogram(Lead II) was recorded before and during each manuever and compared with 20 control subjects. The results are summarized as follows; 1) Resting heart rate was significantly lower in the athletes than that of the control groups. 2) During apneic face immersion, severe bradycardia were observed in both groups and the heart rate was significantly lower in the athletes than that of the control groups. 3) The degree of the bradycardia (maximum percent reduction of heart rate, HRmax.) were inversely propotional to the lung volume and water temperature. In the above results, bradycardial response was more sensitive in the athletes than the control. It was suggested that diving bradycardia was related to the gas content in the lung and reflex from the cold receptor in the face.