Anthropometry, Floating Technique, Lung Function
Conditions
Keywords
Floating, Sculling, water safety
Brief summary
The study involves measurements of body composition using a DEXA scanner, lung function, buoyancy and floating technique. An understanding of the effects of physiological and anthropometric measures on an individual's ability to float may lead to the creation of a 'Floatability Score' to aid current public information. With this floatability score a set of actions that people of certain body types should adopt in water will be created, to tailor the current public safety messaging in an attempt to ensure more people are aware of how they can float in water
Detailed description
Between 2000 and 2013 an average of 425 people in the UK drowned per annum, and a reported 100,000 people were involved in water-related emergencies involving search and rescue services. Approximately half had not intended to go into the water. Research identifies that in the first 1-3 minutes of immersion, during the cold shock response (CSR), there may be an increased probability of drowning fatalities. As a result of this, a theme of 'Float First' was created whereby individuals are advised to float for 1-3 minutes following immersion (by undertaking the minimum amount of activity possible to maximise the amount of air trapped in clothing layers and hence creating additional buoyancy) until the effects of the CSR have declined. However, a number of people have come forward indicating that despite the advice given, they are unable to float. This study is designed to establish the minimum activity level a person needs to stay afloat and combine this with anthropomorphic and physiological measures to develop advice for people of different shapes, sizes and body compositions.
Interventions
OTHERthis is an observational study there are no interventions
development of an index to provide appropriate information on a person's ability to float, based on Physiological and anthropometric characteristics
Sponsors
University of Portsmouth
Study design
Observational model
COHORT
Time perspective
PROSPECTIVE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* All participants who feel confident in water which they can stand up in, aged 18 years and older (18-29 years for Phase 1). * The participant is willing and able to give informed consent for participation in the study. * Be able to climb up and down a set of steps to access the swimming flume
Exclusion criteria
* Have allergies to water or chlorinated water. * The participant is pregnant or suspects they may be pregnant. * Not able to climb up and down a set of steps to access the swimming flume
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Floating index | 2 minutes | Describes the actions required to stay afloat |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Mass | with the two week study window - performed at the same time of day as the floating and DEXA scan measurements | Mass of participant |
| Body composition | with the two week study window - performed at the same time of day as the floating and DEXA scan measurements | a break down of the main components of the body (fat, lean tissue) |
| Standing Height | with the two week study window | Height of participant |
| Buoyancy | with the two week study window - performed at the same time of day as the floating and DEXA scan measurements | the buoyancy of the person floating in the water |
| Floating technique | 2 minutes | The technique required to float |
| Lung function | with the two week study window - performed at the same time of day as the floating and DEXA scan measurements | the volumes of the lungs namely, FVC, Tidal breathing, ERV and IRV |
Countries
United Kingdom
Contacts
Primary ContactHeather Massey, PhD
Backup ContactAnt Shepherd, PhD
Outcome results
None listed