CHANGES IN THE VITAL CAPACITY WHEN THE BODY IS IMMERSED IN WATER

Abstract

The vital capacity is about 300 cc. less when the body is immersed in water to the nipple line than it is when the subject is standing in air. When diastolic pressure cuffs are put around the bases of the arms and legs of the subject in water the vital capacity is about 175 cc. higher than without the cuffs. Indications are that the venous return is increased by immersion sufficiently to increase the blood in the lungs and decrease the - space available for air.