Human power generation in an underwater environment

A pilot study of scuba divers pedaling an underwater bicycle/ergometer is described. The ergometer design and experimental procedure used for tests on 14 male and female subjects 22-46 yrs old is presented. The average useful power output for subjects who are regular cyclists or who participate in a regular exercise program was 0.12 hp at the optimum cadence of 50 rpm. Noncyclists and less-fit subjects tended toward a lower cadence for maximum performance. These results, and the test subjects´ reactions to the tests, are discussed in relation to the design and safety of a human-powered submersible.