Hydrogen Gas Breathing Mixture Prevents Neurological Symptoms in Extreme Deep Diving
Effects of a H2-He-O2 mixture on the HPNS up to 450 msw
Research hubs: Brain & Nervous System · Musculoskeletal System
- Authors
- J C Rostain, M C Gardette-Chauffour, C Lemaire, R Naquet
- Journal
- Undersea Biomedical Research
- Year
- 1988
- Study Type
- Human
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- France
- Health Condition
- High Pressure Neurologic Syndrome (HPNS)
- Body System
- Neurological
TL;DR
A hydrogen-containing breathing mixture markedly reduced neurological symptoms of high-pressure neurological syndrome during simulated dives to 450 m.
Key Finding
A hydrogen-helium-oxygen breathing mixture nearly eliminated the physical neurological symptoms of High Pressure Neurological Syndrome at 450 meters depth, with divers maintaining normal cognitive performance throughout the dive.
Summary
This study tested a breathing mixture containing 54-56% hydrogen gas on 6 professional divers descending to 450 meters underwater (about 1,475 feet). At extreme depths, divers can develop High Pressure Neurological Syndrome (HPNS) — a condition causing tremors, coordination problems, and mental impairment. The researchers found that the hydrogen mixture eliminated most physical neurological symptoms and kept cognitive (mental) performance at normal levels, though some brain wave changes still occurred.
Practical Takeaway
This research is specifically about high-pressure hydrogen gas used as a breathing mixture for extreme deep-sea diving — it has no direct relevance to drinking hydrogen water. It does, however, suggest that hydrogen has measurable effects on the nervous system under specific conditions. Consumers interested in hydrogen water should not draw conclusions from this highly specialized diving study.
Abstract (excerpt)
A H2-He-O2 mixture with 54 to 56% hydrogen was studied with 6 subjects (professional divers) during 2 dives to 450 m. The 38-h compression was the same as that used with other types of breathing mixtures (He-O2 and He-N2-O2). The results obtained during compression and during the stay at 450 m…