A Study of Work-Producing Characteristics of Underwater Operations as a Function of Depth

摘要

The effects of alterations in working depth upon the work-producing characteristics of human performing specific underwater manual tasks were examined. The tasks were: (1) A simple, repetitive rotary task requiring continuous torque production against a fixed resistance in a self-paced manner; and (2) A simple, repetitive, discontinuous flexion/extension task requiring the exertion of linear forces against a fixed resistance in a self-paced manner. The work was performed at two depths, 33 and 66 feet in the open ocean. During work sessions, heart rate and three skin temperatures were recorded. Similarly, techniques were employed which allows measurement of mean respiratory flow volumes and oxygen uptake level. The results obtained were examined as functions of task and depth. Statistically significant performance differences were found and related to previous study results. (Author)