Evaluation of diving fins on the basis of physiological responses during incremental exercise.

Abstract

Six divers conducted identical incremental exercise on an underwater ergometer in a dive tank at a depth of ten feet. Each subject participated in six trials, using a different fin type during each trial (A : Brevets, B : Dacor, C i Aqua Lung, D : Power Plana, E : Sherwood, and F : graphite Power Plana). Oxygen consumption, heart rate, ventilation, breathing frequency and kick rate were monitored continuously throughout the 16 minute incremental exercise, to assess the effect of each fin on physiological responses. Results suggest that incorporating vents and stabilizers in fin design did not enhance performance. However, subjects reported a Iower rating of exertion, when the angle of the vents was such that the upstroke was emphasized.