Failed lungs test
Went for diving medicals this morning, but failed the test with "mild restriction" results on the computer printout.
I was dissapointed and surprised at the same time, to be honest, as I do freediving in the ocean almost every weekend with up to 40 seconds breathhold under 6 meters deep, not the best results maybe, but I would strongly believe that I can pass lung tests. Tried the test three times, but the results did not change.
I am going to do another test tomorrow morning and hopefully results are better, but just in case if I fail, I was wondering if there are any special technics for developing and improving the results to the passing level>
Thanks
Samir
Sorry we did not hear further from Samir, but his question made me wonder about any breathing exercises that could potentially improve lung function, specifically in the context of diving and SAC rates, or respiratory minute volume. I once tried a gadget you blow through that has an adjustable airway restrictor. The idea presumably was to work your way up gradually improving "lung strength". I did not pursue this exercise, but wonder if it has any merit.
Certainly I would think exercises to improve cardiovascular fitness would have a measurable impact on SAC rates, but what about actual lung function?
Thank you for your kind attention.
Avra Cohen
Hello Avra,
SAC (Surface Air Consumption) is mainly based on the persons size, gender and fitness. The lung function per se should not have a significant part to play as it is only the medium as to how gas gets into the blood. Sayiong that, poor transfer of oxygen and CO2 would lead to increased respiratory rate and this might have an issue with minute volume increasing SAC.
The best things for managing SAC are good fitness and remaining calm. The extreme freedivers have perfected this with decrease consumption and tolerance for low oxygen levels resetting their brain controls of respiration (in particular). They also meditate and are very fit with thermal insulation also reducing oxygen demand (don't metabolise extra oxygen to create heat). Other things like diet and workload also affect SAC so it is not as simple as it sounds.
I am not sure what the lung training devices do as respiratory effort is airways limited above a certain point and regardless of the amount of training you do, you cannot increase the flow into your lungs of air.
Regards Glen