Understanding how oxygen toxicity affects scuba divers

Applied Physiology of Oxygen Toxicity: Mechanisms in Humans

NA · Duke University · NCT05761756

This study is testing how different factors like exercise, sleep, and medication affect the risk of oxygen toxicity in scuba divers.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment62 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 45 Years
SexAll
SponsorDuke University (other)
Locations1 site (Durham, North Carolina)
Trial IDNCT05761756 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to investigate the mechanisms of oxygen toxicity in scuba divers by examining how respiratory muscle training, environmental factors like sleep deprivation and medication use, and immersion in water influence the risk of developing oxygen toxicity. Participants will undergo health screenings, respiratory function tests, and will engage in exercise under various conditions, including dry and underwater settings. The study will compare participants' performance before and after these interventions to identify any changes related to oxygen toxicity.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are healthy non-smoking individuals aged 18-45 with a specific level of aerobic fitness.

Not a fit: Patients with pre-existing cardiorespiratory or neuromuscular diseases, or those who are pregnant, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved safety protocols and training methods for scuba divers, reducing the risk of oxygen toxicity.

How similar studies have performed: While studies on oxygen toxicity exist, this specific approach focusing on the interplay of various factors in scuba divers is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Equal numbers of male and female
* Non-smokers
* Aged 18-45 years
* Males will be required to have VO2 peak \> or equal to mL/kg min
* and females \> or equal to 30 mL/kg min

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnancy
* Cardiorespiratory disease, including hypertension
* Neuromuscular disease
* Anemia
* History of hemoglobinopathy, including sick cell disease and trait

Where this trial is running

Durham, North Carolina

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Oxygen Toxicity, Hypercapnia, Seizures

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.