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Scuba diving and finger joint problems 7-Feb-2007 At 4:38:50 PM Rupert

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On 7/02/2007 PensionerPower wrote:
>The risk of developing DCS is increased by heavy exertion "before, during or after the dive".

Hmm. Yes and no. Understanding of Decompression and bubble formation has undergone (and is still undergoing) a massive rethink in the diving world over the last 5 years. There is mounting evidence that excercise (cardiovascular based) in the days/hours before diving actually minimises the formation of bubbles. As for strenuous excercise, anyone who has been diving has lugged all that gear down to the boat on many occasions and has built up a sweat. It is unlikely that this alone is a threat to most people.

During the dive - I can think of no reason you should be working that hard underwater. The obvious increase in your gas consumption is probably the number one reason to avoid it. If you are working that hard, you probably need to have a serious look at your trim, bouyancy, equipment and environmental aspect to find out why. eg fighting against a strong current is probably more an issue of appropriate dive planning than anything else.

Neil there is an interesting article here on cold water exacerbation of decompression risk. It talks specifically about extremities being susceptible.