Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of time of the day (TOD) and 16 weeks diving practice (16WDP) on the spirometric parameters and 6-min walk test data (6MWT) on professional Tunisian scuba divers. In randomized order, 36 health males divided into 3 groups [morning practice group) (MPG): n = 12; evening practice group (EPG): n = 12; control group (CG) n = 12] participated voluntary in this study. They performed spirometry measurements and 6 MWT during two periods: [before-season (June 05-10), and after-season (October 05-10)]. Our results revealed that assessment sessions comprised the following: FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC and PEF. Results were analyzed by applying repeated measures analysis of variance ANOVA. The spirometric parameters were similar upon two times of day on both EPG and MPG before the season (i.e. FEV1, FVC). Likewise, our finding revealed a significant decrease in lung functions following the 16 weeks practice of scuba diving upon two times of day. Thus, this period of hyperbaric scuba diving practice lead a significant alteration of lung function parameters with decrease of percent of variation in EPG vs. CEG compared to MPG vs. CMG: (i.e. FEV1, FVC, and PEF). In conclusion, 16 weeks of hyperbaric scuba diving lead a significant change in the spirometric and 6MWT values and respiratory problem with damage on lung function in healthy adult divers older than 40 years. Professional divers are recommended to have practice diving in the morning.