MAJOR PROGRAM AREAS 



15 



Another major problem encountered in undersea living is that of recording physiological 

 parameters while the subjects are outside of their undersea habitat. Several approaches to 

 the problem come to mind, two of which were investigated during the experiment. One method 

 was the acoustic underwater telemetering of EKG signals from the swimmer to the habitat and 

 wire transmission to the surface support vessel (Chapter 29). The second method was the use 

 of a miniaturized unit which was carried by the swimmer and recorded EEC and EKG (Chapter 

 34). In both programs some expected and unexpected artifacts were encountered. However, 

 progress to date shows great promise for the monitoring of vital signs on free swimmers in 

 the future (Fig. 10). 



Fig. 10. 



Aquanaut Coffman has electrodes for EKG and 

 EEG recorder attached 



Although the complex of environmental stresses present in Sealab II may best be studied 

 at the site, considerable insight into the effects of such a stressful situation can be obtained 

 by appropriate studies conducted prior to and immediately after the exposure. Nine divers 

 were studied before and again after their 15 days in Sealab (Chapter 30). Studies conducted 

 included modified maximal work capacity and cold-exposure tests. There is a suggestion, 

 based on the data obtained, that some alteration in physiological function may have occurred in 

 men living under the conditions present in Sealab II. 



Pre and postdive tests involving neurological, EEG, and psychopsysiological studies were 

 also conducted (Chapter 35). The psychophysiological variables included heart rate, respira- 

 tion rate, skin resistance, and finger plethysmogram. No significant predive or postdive neuro- 

 logical or EEG changes were found, while the only significant difference in psychophysiological 

 variables was a drop in arousal level from predive to postdive. 



