This came up in another thread http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/accidents-incidents/320007-spiegel-incident.html. Dont want to derail that one any more so asking it here.
If I work hard on a dive do I absorb more nitrogen? To be precise,is the VOLUME of nitrogen that goes into my body greater? If it is greater what is the mechanism for that?
I totally agree that getting bent is more likely on a strenuous dive but I am not interested in that here.
I had a similar question during my BOW class. I wondered if a heavy breather, or "hoover" would absorb more nitrogen than a lighter breather, since they inspired a greater volume of nitrogen over a given time period.
The answer appears to be that regardless of the amount of nitrogen that you intake, your tissues only absorb it at a certain rate. So unless increased activity somehow increases the tissues ability to absorb inert gas, I'd have to say no to your question.