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4 Apr 2006 17:37:26
BBC documentary examines underwater breathing techniques
A free dive expert, based at the University of Luton, has been showing a BBC presenter the breathing techniques used by deep sea divers, by ducking his head in a bucket of water!
Sports Science lecturer, Peter Sheard, was approached by researchers from a new BBC Three programme Kick Ass Miracles because of his impressive track record in the field.
He has worked as a chief dive officer and a safety support worker for world record attempts in the Caribbean, was editor of Free Diver magazine, worked as science support officer for the British Free Dive Association, and as a diving consultant for documentaries for the Discovery Channel and Channel 5. His other achievements include winning triathlon and cross-country skiing medals.
“The crew gave me a call to see if I’d work with their presenter, Chris Crudelli, to demonstrate what happens to the body when free divers hold their breath for long periods of time,” said Peter, who lectures in research methods and techniques as well as biomechanics and sports rehabilitation.
“It was quite exciting because they brought along the current British free dive champion, Sam Still, to observe the techniques used by an elite diver.”
The demonstration took place at the University’s sports science laboratories in Park Square where Peter was able to use equipment to monitor blood oxygen saturation levels, lung oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, and heart rates.
Both Sam and presenter Chris went under water while Peter monitored the oxygen levels in their blood.
After two minutes, Chris came up gasping for air. Meanwhile, British champion Sam calmly came up for air after five and a half minutes - with no after effects.
“It was amazing”, said Peter. “Both men had the same concentration of oxygen in their lungs but Chris struggled because he used oxygen from around his entire body leaving him exhausted.
“Sam on the other hand, sent oxygen to his lungs, heart and brain and when he came up for air, he was back to normal with just two breaths because he has been trained how to manage his body’s oxygen effectively.”
Peter explained that humans have a natural reflex which kicks in when immersed in water, but unless we are aware how to use this reflex effectively, most of us will use up our body’s oxygen within a couple of minutes.
The episode, entitled ‘Teachers and Gurus’, is the final episode in the six-part series and will be aired on Thursday 6 April 2006 at 11pm on BBC Three. To find out more visit www.bbc.co.uk/bbcthree/tv/kiss-ass.
