Argon used as dry suit insulation gas for cold-water diving

The current use of wearable sensors to enhance safety and performance in breath-hold diving: A systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Measuring physiological parameters at depth is an emergent challenge for athletic training, diver's safety and biomedical research. Recent advances in wearable sensor technology made this challenge affordable; however, its impact on breath-hold diving has never been comprehensively discussed.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review of the literature in order to assess what types of sensors are available or suitable for human breath-hold diving, within the two-fold perspective of safety and athletic performance.

RESULTS

In the 52 studies identified, sensed physiological variables were: electrocardiogram, body temperature, blood pressure, peripheral oxygen saturation, interstitial glucose concentration, impedance cardiography, heart rate, body segment inertia and orientation.

CONCLUSIONS

Limits and potential of each technology are separately reviewed. Inertial sensor technology and transmission pulse oximetry could produce the greatest impact on breath-hold diving performances in the future.