Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 to 45

Understanding how oxygen toxicity affects scuba divers

Official title: Applied Physiology of Oxygen Toxicity: Mechanisms in Humans

Run by Duke University · NCT05761756 · Data updated 2026-11-12

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

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 45 Years
SexAll
Enrollment62 (estimated)
SponsorDuke University
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Durham, North Carolina)
StatusRecruiting
StartedNovember 28, 2023
Main results expectedDecember 31, 2026
Study endsDecember 31, 2026
Registry record updatedOctober 21, 2026
Trial IDNCT05761756 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

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

Probably not a fit

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

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

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

Who can join: the full rules

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 35 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 it's running

  • Duke University Health Sustem
    Durham, North Carolina, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.