Abstract : This study was aimed at investigating whether repeated SCUBA diving might induce long term cardiovascular and autonomic modifications. In 11 military mine clearance diving students, arterial compliance (ultrasound scan study of brachial artery and ratio of stroke volume to pulse pressure: SV/PP), resting spectral analyses of heart rate and blood pressure variability, and a cold pressor test were performed before and after a 15-week military diving training course. After the diving training, arterial compliance was improved, as indicated by the significant increase in brachial arterial compliance (from 24±10 to 37±14 ml.mmHg−1) and SV/PP (from 1.7±0.2 to 1.9±0.2 ml.mmHg−1), and by the significant decrease in systolic, diastolic and pulse pressures (from 130±8 to 120±7; from 71±4 to 67±4; and from 58±8 to 53±5 mmHg, respectively). The peak oxygen uptake increased significantly from 54.3±2.0 to 56.8±4.0 mL.kg−1.min−1. Finally, the vasoconstrictive response during the cold pressor test increased (p<0.05). These findings point to a positive effect of a 15-week military diving training course on vascular function, and for a concomitant development of some peripheral vascular acclimatization to cold.
