Effect of imagery practice on the heart rate of the trainees in simulated fast buoyancy ascent escape

Abstract

Objective To explore the effect of imagery practice on the heart rate of the trainees in simulated fast buoyancy ascent escape. Methods Fifty-four trainees received a series of simulated fast buoyancy ascent escape training, including 0 meter acclimatization training and 1, 5 and 10-meter formal trainings. Of the 54 trainees, 25 who received imagery training were assigned as the experimental group, while others who did not receive imagery training were designated as the control group. Heart rate was measured during the course of training, differences in the changes of heart rates were compared between the 2 groups. Results In the 1-meter fast buoyancy ascent escape, the heart rate of the experimental group at 130 s was significantly higher, as compared with that of the control group (P<0.05). In the 5-m fast buoyancy ascent escape, the heart rates of the experimental group at -290, -270, -250, -190, -170, -150 , -130, -110, 10, 30, 50, 70, 90 and 110 s were significantly lower than those of the control group, and statistical significance could be noted, when comparisons were made between the 2 groups (P<0.05). However, in the 10-meter fast buoyancy ascent escape, there were no significant differences at various time points, when comparisons were made between the 2 groups (P<0.05). Conclusion Simulated fast buoyancy ascent escape training could increase the heart rate of the trainees and psychological training could effectively decrease the heart rate of the trainees during the process of the 5-meter fast buoyancy ascent escape. Key words: Fast buoyancy ascent escape training; Heart rate; Imagery training; Psychological training; Pressure