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Contractions not due to CO2 build up but to reduced lung size

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C

Cassin

New Member
Feb 8, 2014
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Hi all,

I'll be glad to have some comments on a problem I have. I get contraction starting as shallow as 10 meters on my way down.
I was thinking that it arises too fast to be caused by CO2 build up . So i did this experience :

Start to dive down, and when i feel the first contraction I stop, turn around and when I surface I keep the breath hold for some time. I am so surprised to see that I have no more contraction on the surface for around 20 /25 seconds

So this means that contraction can also be caused by the fact that the lung volume is lowered. Nobody told me about that before.

I still manage to dive down to 52 meters CWT with bi fins but the contractions make it a lot more difficult to equalize, and also I am worried for the squeeze that can happen more easily with contraction.

If you have any idea on how i could get rid of this kind of contraction ? Or more realistically, any comments on how I could deal with those contraction ?

Cheers

Ps : in general i do get contraction quite quickly, around 1:30 in static for example. Which doesn't bother me cause they are mild and I believe that for static (and dynamic) it's not a bad thing actually.
 
It's likely a "pressure trigger".

Solution: more time at depth / under pressure combined with some appropriate stretching exercises for the diaphragm (uddiyana) and also for thoracic flexibility.

Let the pressure be your friend, instead of having your body resist it.
 
Reactions: Vov
You are correct that contractions can be caused by lung compression, not uncommon. When I first started diving deeper, approaching RV, I used to get those. As Apneaaddict said, time and practice usually take care of it, although they can come back when you push your normal depth. I found that, once I realized what they were and relaxed, mostly they disappeared. Stretching also helps.
 
Increase depth gradually - from dive to dive... start with small depths, relax, enjoy...then gradually increase. How gradually - you will have to find out yourself.
 
I don't think these contractions are due to lung compression. If this was the case you would get them stronger with exhale dives, and they would not go away during a hang at depth.
Rather, I am convinced that the contractions are due to a rapid rate of change in ppCO2. There is a lot of evidence that supports this, but the easiest test is depth training tables. During these you can get contractions as early as 5-10m, but they will normally subside in the ascent.
 
Reactions: abdessalam
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