Float First: An Index of Floating: Factors Affecting Floating in Different Populations

University of Portsmouth

Status: Unknown

Conditions: Anthropometry; Floating Technique; Lung Function

Treatments: Other: this is an observational study there are no interventions

Study type: Observational

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT03982056

TBA

Details and patient eligibility

About

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

Full 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.

Enrollment: 178 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

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

Trial design

178 participants in 2 patient groups

Main study group

Description:

Assessments performed: * Height * Mass * Body fat density * Bone density * Lean muscle density * Lung volume measurements * Floating technique * Buoyancy

Treatment:

Other: this is an observational study there are no interventions

Validation group

Description:

Assessments performed: * Height * Mass * Body fat density * Bone density * Lean muscle density * Lung volume measurements * Floating technique * Buoyancy

Treatment:

Other: this is an observational study there are no interventions