DDRC Research

Scubastudy.org has been set up by a DDRC PhD student in association with the department of Psychology at the University of Plymouth. It has details about ongoing studies concerned with diver performance under hyperbaric pressure and diver questionnaires looking at differences between populations of recreational scuba divers. The project is examining the cognitive and neuropsychological impacts of recreational diving both in the immediate term, ie cognitive function (memory, manual dexterity, spatial awareness etc) whilst under different partial pressures of nitrogen during a dive. Also in the long term, ie the impact of prolonged diving on cognitive and neuropsychological integrity. To date, the research in these two areas has been limited, with very little work carried out using recreational divers. Nevertheless, both areas are crucially important for the health and safety of divers. The project brings together cognitive neuroscientists from the University of Plymouth with research staff from the DDRC. Research is being conducted as a PhD programme registered at the University. For further information please visit the ScubaStudy website to take part in the online diver questionnaire.

It is several years since the DDRC collected data looking at the general health of divers, and over the years diving has become a “sport for all” and thus open to a greater spectrum of the population. The DDRC would like to have a better understanding of the current state of health in recreational divers, as well as smoking, alcohol, prescription, over the counter, and recreational drug use. The “Health of Divers” study is an anonymous questionnaire which only takes a few minutes to complete and will assist DDRC in its valuable work. A trial of this project took place at the Birmingham Dive Show in October last year and LIDS in March 2008 and the response from divers was enthusiastic; so please take part. Gaining a better understanding of the state of health in divers generally will enable DDRC to help divers dive more safely. Please download the questionnaires and post the completed questionnaire back to us at DDRC: For the attention of: Marguerite St Leger Dowse DDRC Hyperbaric Medical Centre Tamar Science Park Research Way Plymouth PL6 8BU

This study “How Divers Seek Help and Advice for Signs and Symptoms of DCI” is designed to try and understand what happens when a diver experiences signs and symptoms of DCI. Why do some divers wait several hours before seeking help, why do some divers fail to seek help at all? Data from a trial study conducted in 2007 and at LIDS 2008 showed there were several interesting factors that may influence the way in which divers sought help, so DDRC now need to gather more data. As studies have shown a relationship between the time from symptoms to time of treatment and lasting effects, this study is potentially a valuable contribution to our understanding of the treatment of DCI. Please download the questionnaire and post the completed questionnaire back to us at DDRC: For the attention of: Marguerite St Leger Dowse DDRC Hyperbaric Medical Centre Tamar Science Park Research Way Plymouth PL6 8BU