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There has been some talk recently about totlerance or adaptation to narcosis: One of the main researchers in the IGN field, Fowler, I believe, is the main proponent of the slowed processing model of IGN. This model proposes that information processing in the brain is slowed as evidenced by the slow reaction time scores typical of IGN. A reaction time event is like a reflex, but requires higher CNS processing between the input and output. A typical reaction time test, a hand on a keyboard with a LED at each finger tip, an illuminated LED must be touched by the matched finger, the time taken measured. Fowler argues that such phenomena as the large handwritting typical of IGN can be explained by slowed processing, with visual processing and "writing processsing" slowed more than motor skills. Tolerance: it is quite clear from the majority of the ING literature that behavioural tolerance does not occur, but that the subjective feeling of ING can be diminished. However, if the slowed processing model is correct, effective strategies might be learned to improve performance under IGN. One inappropriate strategy that is often employed during IGN is the fast guess strategy where accuracy is sacrificed for speed. This strategy is common in professional divers even on the surface, as evidenced in a study by Carl Edmonds. I don't know what the appropriate stategy to deal with IGN, but may involve slowing down to match the slowed processing, just watch someone on air trying to hurriedly tie a knot at 50-60 metres, and then try doing it slowly and methodically yourself (patience). I suspect that many experienced deep air divers have arrived at effective strategies for dealing with IGN and may confuse this with tolerance. regards, David Doolette ddoolett@me*.ad*.ed*.au*
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