Memory and Attention While SCUBA Diving
Abstract
There is a high level of cognitive functioning required by SCUBA diving given the task loading that divers experience. Poor memory and attentional skills are reported by divers while under water, especially as the depth of the dive increases. In this study, participants completed both shallow (8 m) and deep (28 m) dives. Participants learned and were tested on a list of 36 words, completed the trail making task to assess executive functioning, and completed the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory to assess anxiety levels. The Profile of Mood States survey was also completed and they provided saliva samples to measure cortisol levels before and after each dive. Participants displayed elevated cortisol levels, remembered fewer words, and had worse executive control during a deep dive. Dive depth did not affect the subjective experience of anxiety and motor control ability. The results of the study suggested that deep dives can lead to quantifiable cognitive deficits.
Faculty Sponsors
Dr. Leanne, Boucher, Dr. W. Matthew Collins, Dr. Joshua Feingold
Project Type
Event
Location
Alvin Shermany Library
Start Date
4-5-2019 1:00 PM
End Date
4-5-2019 5:00 PM
Memory and Attention While SCUBA Diving
Alvin Shermany Library
There is a high level of cognitive functioning required by SCUBA diving given the task loading that divers experience. Poor memory and attentional skills are reported by divers while under water, especially as the depth of the dive increases. In this study, participants completed both shallow (8 m) and deep (28 m) dives. Participants learned and were tested on a list of 36 words, completed the trail making task to assess executive functioning, and completed the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory to assess anxiety levels. The Profile of Mood States survey was also completed and they provided saliva samples to measure cortisol levels before and after each dive. Participants displayed elevated cortisol levels, remembered fewer words, and had worse executive control during a deep dive. Dive depth did not affect the subjective experience of anxiety and motor control ability. The results of the study suggested that deep dives can lead to quantifiable cognitive deficits.
