Diving Deeper into SCUBA... Science

You will find in this book some valuable and reliable lessons about safe
diving

The editors of and authors of this book are a cadre of scientists and
physicians with broad experience and knowledge of diving physiology and
decompression theory. As is often the case, it requires a group effort to
succeed in advancing practical knowledge. The colloquialism "the whole is
greater than the sum of its parts" is often true and the PHYPODE Reasearch
Group epitomizes this concept. By logically grouping the various elements of
diving science and medicine with provocative "food for thought" sections, the
text offers valuable lessons to those interested in the current state of
diving. Despite nearly 170 years of reasearch, the fundamenal nature of
decompression stress remains elusive. As is well outlined in this book, great
advances have been made to the practical elements allowing for safe diving.
Nonetheless, there are glaring voids of knowledge related to the nature of
bubble nucleation, its consequences and methods to ameliorate risk. The
synergy exhibited in this text not only provides a foundation for what is
known, it offers a glimpse of where research is taking us. - Professor Stephen
R. Thom, Dept. of Emergency Medicine, University of Maryland School of
Medicine

This is a book for all diving fans who want to discover their passion through
a scientific approach.

EXCERPT

Decompression illnesses (DCI), or as they are called more scientifically:
dysbaric disorders, represent a complex spectrum of pathophysiological
conditions with a wide variety of signs and symptoms related to dissolved gas
and its subsequent phase change.1, 2 Any significant organic or functional
dysfunction in individuals who have recently been exposed to a reduction in
environmental pressure (i.e., decompression) must be considered as possibly
being caused by DCI until proven otherwise. However, apart from the more
obvious acute manifestations of a single, sudden decompression, individuals
who have experienced repetitive exposures (e.g. commercial or professional
divers and active recreational divers) may also develop sub-acute or chronic
manifestations, even if subtle and almost symptomless.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Dr. Costantino Balestra started to study neurophysiology of fatigue then
started studies on environmental physiology issues. He teaches physiology,
biostatistics, research methodology, as well as other subjects. He Is the
Director of the Integrative Physiology Laboratory and a full time professor at
the Haute Ecole Bruxelles-Brabant (Brussels). He is VP of DAN Europe for
research and education, Immediate past President of the European Underwater
and Baromedical Society.

Peter Germonpré is the Medical Director of the Centre for Hyperbaric Oxygen
Therapy of the Military Hospital Brussels, Belgium).