Blood lactate changes in professional Indian divers under hyperbaric conditions.

BACKGROUND: Hyperoxia due to hyperbaric conditions influences lactate metabolism. Previous studies on lactate levels in hyperbaric conditions have reported varied results depending on the depth of evaluation and breathing gas mixture used. METHODS: This study compared post-exercise blood lactate levels of Indian professional male divers (breathing ambient air under normobaric conditions) with their post-exercise blood lactate levels measured under simulated hyperbaric conditions. RESULT: In the present study, blood lactate levels in divers were found to have decreased significantly during recovery phase of exercise in hyperbaric conditions of dry diving at 2.8 Atmospheres Absolute (ATA) as compared to normobaric conditions. A significant improvement was observed in physical performance in terms of HR max and duration of exercise. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that hyperoxia due to moderate hyperbaric condition leads to improvement in lactate metabolism in muscles and organs (liver and heart) for its removal.

Is concurrent prophylactic use of acetazolamide and dexamethasone superior to acetazolamide alone in un-acclimatized lowlanders on ascent to high altitude?

This pilot study was undertaken in lowlanders, during their ascent from 2600 m to 3500 m, to evaluate the effects of Acetazolamide and Dexamethasone on Cardio-Respiratory parameters and Exercise Capacity. 40 unacclimatised low-landers were divided into 2 groups. Subjects of Group 'A' were given Acetazolamide and Dexamethasone and those of Group 'B' were given Acetazolamide and placebo. 8 subjects matched for age, physical fitness, height and weight were randomly selected from each study group and were evaluated for their Exercise Capacities. Both study groups showed significant rise in Heart Rate, Respiratory Rate and a significant fall in Systolic Blood Pressure. There was no difference in Exercise capacities achieved by subjects of two groups at 3500 m.