Medical Research

An important part of our mission statement is the commitment to supporting medical research.  To accomplish that goal, we have a team of medical doctors collaborating on several research protocols.

The current objectives of our medical research program include:

Establishing guidelines to optimize the safety of SCUBA diving for persons with disabilities;

Accurately describing the risks of SCUBA diving for persons with disabilities to ensure they are not inappropriately restricted;

And, determining the physiologic and psychological benefits of SCUBA diving for persons with disabilities.

We are currently investigating the effectives of SCUBA diving on the pulmonary function of our diving population.  The dive profiles of all Stay-Focused divers are recorded using dive monitors and we are utilizing quality of life questionnaires to describe psychological benefits.

The following references will guide you to articles in the medical literature.

Gempp E, Blatteau JE.  Risk factors and treatment outcome in scuba divers with spinal cord decompression sickness.  J Crit Care.  2009 Aug.

Carin-Levy G, Jones D.  Psychological aspects of scuba diving for people with physical disabilities:  an occupational science perspective.  Can J Occup Ther. 2007 Feb; 74(1):  6-14.

Cheng J, Diamond M.  SCUBA diving for individuals with disabilities.  Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 2005 May; 84(5):  369-75.

Yarwasky L, Furst DM.  Motivation to participate of divers with and without disabilities.  Percept Mot Skills.  1996 June; 82(3 Pt2):  1096-8.

Williamson JA, McDonald FW, Galligan EA, Baker PG, Hammond CT.  Selection and training of disabled persons for scuba-diving.  Medical and psychological aspects .  Med J Aust. 1984 Sep 29:141(7):  414-8.