First Results From The Study Of Some Anthropometric Data And Physiological Parameters Of The Respiratory System In Different Categories Of Persons Potentially Related To Work In A Marine Environment

Abstract

The normal functioning of the respiratory system is a leading factor, both for the survival of people caught in an aquatic environment during an accident, and for the effectiveness of the assistance activities. In view of this, in 2020, a team of researchers from the Medical University of Varna, the Naval Academy - Varna and the Bulgarian Red Cross set out to study some physiological respiratory parameters and related anthropometric data of 51 individuals. The subjects were divided into two groups: 1) trainees in the water rescue courses conducted at BRC-Varna and 2) 1st year students from the Naval Academy. All participants in the study were non-smokers. The examination of the respiratory parameters was performed according to a standardized methodology with the same spirometer, which measures and registers over 30 indicators. Of these indicators, three were analyzed in the present study: forced expiratory volume for 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and their FEV1/FVC percentage ratio (index of Tiffeneau). As far as the functional capabilities of the respiratory system are essential for the activity of marine professionals, it can be assumed that the high results obtained by the spirometric study in the participants from both groups are a prerequisite for improving both their personal safety when working in a marine environment and for the higher efficiency and success of rescue operations. The perspective is, after collecting a statistically significant volume of data and in combination with other functional studies, to create good practices to improve the safety systems of people in contact with the marine environment.