The influence of different types of physical activity on the redox status of scuba divers

Abstract

© 2017, University of Kragujevac, Faculty of Science. All rights reserved. The effect of scuba diving on ROS production and oxidative stress compared to that of other recreational activities is still poorly understood. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of different types of physical activity on the redox status of scuba divers by testing the pro- and anti-oxidative parameters immediately before and after different types of physical load. The prevalence study included 10 professional police divers. All examinees were male, 32 ± 5.1 years of age, well-trained, and with a minimum of five to a maximum of 20 years of diving experience. The study was divided into three experimental protocols: 1) an exercise test (at atmospheric pressure), 2) an at sea dive (30 meters for 30 minutes), and 3) a dive into river current (10 meters for 30 minutes). Immediately before and after the load test of the divers at atmospheric pressure and immediately before and after the dive, blood samples were taken to determine the values of the following pro-oxidant markers: O2-, H2O2, NO2- and TBARS, as well as antioxidant enzymes (SOD and CAT). A comparison of the results before and after physical activity for all three protocols revealed a significant increase in values for NO2-, O2-, H2O2 and CAT after physical activity. It can be concluded that the values of all oxidative stress markers depend on the season of the year in which the research is conducted or on the frequency of dives and degree of physical exertion during this period of the year.