Status of Research in Underwater Physiology.

Abstract

This report has been prepared by the Physiology Group of the Panel on Underwater Swimmers as a general review of the current status of underwater physiology. In this discussion of existing information, emphasis is placed upon the interrelationship of various factors and upon a number of important questions which appear at present to be unanswered. Large new areas of underwater physiology have been opened by recent studies and should be susceptible to further investigation. The possibility now exists of a breakthrough in one or more of these areas. There is reason to expect that it will not always be necessary to base predictions of potential diving depth and duration upon the 'physiological barriers' which now restrict underwater activity. (Author)