In deep-sea diving operations

combined exposure to low water temperatures and high atmospheric pressure is a key environmental factor affecting divers' physiological homeostasis and operational safety. This study aims to quantitatively analyze the patterns of how the combined effects of low water temperature and high atmospheric pressure influence divers' core body temperature and hand function

and to construct a multiple regression prediction model for core body temperature changes based on environmental parameters. This research provides quantitative evidence and theoretical support for assessing the risk of cold-induced injuries in diving

establishing operational time limits

and ensuring medical support.

Methods

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Twelve healthy male divers were recruited as study subjects. Paired data on hand function during acute exposure to 0°C ice water were collected

along with time-series data on core body temperature under varying water temperatures

diving depths

and exposure durations. Paired t-tests were used to compare differences in physiological indicators before and after cold exposure. A predictive model for core body temperature changes was constructed using multiple linear regression

and the model's multicollinearity

goodness of fit

and predictive accuracy were evaluated.

Results

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After 30 minutes of immersion in 0°C ice water

the divers' grip strength decreased by 31.9% compared to pre-exposure levels

and bilateral sensory thresholds increased by 71.6%; both differences were highly statistically significant (all P < 0.001).The regression model

with core body temperature change as the dependent variable

was globally significant (F = 34.62

P < 0.001)

with a coefficient of determination R² = 0.85 and an adjusted R² = 0.82

indicating good model fit; the regression equation showed that water temperature

exposure time

and diving depth were all independent factors influencing core body temperature change

with exposure time contributing the most and being the primary driver of the temperature decline;External validation showed that the model's predicted values closely matched the measured values

with a prediction error of only 4.83%.

Conclusion

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Combined exposure to cold water and high pressure can significantly reduce a diver's core body temperature and impair manual dexterity. The constructed multiple regression model can accurately predict trends in core body temperature changes under different environmental conditions

providing a scientific method and data support for the quantitative assessment of cold physiological risks in diving operations and the optimization of safe operational protocols.