The harmony of physics and physiology in freediving

Freediving is an exciting sport that requires not only physical preparation but also a deep understanding of the processes occurring in the body during immersion. In this article, we will look at how the principles of physics and physiology work together during freediving.

Let's start with the basics of physics that affect the freediver. The first important aspect is Archimedes' law. It states that a body immersed in a fluid experiences an upward force equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by it. This explains why freedivers need to use lead weights to achieve neutral buoyancy at a certain depth.

Another key principle is Boyle-Mariotte's law, which states that at constant temperature, the volume of a gas is inversely proportional to its pressure. When a freediver descends, the pressure increases and the volume of air in the lungs decreases. This means that at greater depths, a freediver's lungs contract.

Let's move on to physiology. The human body has an amazing ability to adapt to being underwater. One of the key aspects is the mammalian diving reflex, or "diver's reflex". This is an instinctive reaction to immersion that involves a reduction in heart rate (bradycardia), constriction of blood vessels (vasoconstriction) to conserve blood in vital organs, and an increase in blood pressure. This reflex helps conserve oxygen and protects the body from potential underwater hazards.

There are air spaces in the ears, and to prevent painful pressure on the eardrums, freedivers use pressure equalization techniques. One of the most preferred methods for freediving is the "Frenzel method". Unlike the Valsalva maneuver, the Frenzel method does not require active use of abdominal muscles, allowing the freediver to remain more relaxed during the dive. This pressure compensation technique is thoroughly studied in the courses at our freediving school.

Freediving is a wonderful example of how physics and physiology work together to achieve amazing results. Understanding Boyle-Mariotte's law, for example, will help a freediver better understand why it's important to balance ear pressure and how lung volume changes during a dive. This inverse relationship between the pressure and volume of gas explains why a freediver's lungs compress at greater depths.

On a physiological level, our bodies adapt to immersion with the diving reflex. This instinctive response includes a decrease in heart rate and constriction of blood vessels to conserve blood in vital organs, as well as an increase in blood pressure. All these changes lead to efficient use of oxygen and protection of the body from pressure underwater.

The interaction of these physical and physiological factors makes freediving not only possible but also uniquely impressive. When freedivers understand and utilize these principles, they can explore the underwater world with remarkable depth and duration.

Freediving is a sport that requires not only physical preparation but also a deep understanding of the physical and physiological processes occurring in the body during immersion. It's important to understand how physics laws like Archimedes' law and Boyle-Mariotte's law work to understand how to manage your actions underwater.

In the end, freediving is not just the ability to swim underwater, it's science, art, and a way of interacting with the surrounding world. It requires knowledge, skills, and, most importantly, respect for the natural environment. Understanding and respecting the physical and physiological processes happening in and around us during immersion will help us become better freedivers and enjoy this amazing sport more!

13.11.2023