How does heavy exercise impact a diver's risk for decompression sickness?

Heavy exercise increases a diver's risk for decompression sickness due to several physiological factors involved during and after exertion underwater. When a diver engages in strenuous activity, the body requires more oxygen and generates more carbon dioxide, which can lead to increased gas uptake in the tissues. As a result, the diver may absorb more nitrogen in the tissues due to greater blood flow, resulting in a higher nitrogen load.

Additionally, exercising while diving depletes the body's energy reserves and can cause fatigue, potentially impairing the diver's ability to follow diving protocols effectively. This combination of increased nitrogen absorption, tissue saturation, and potential fatigue can hinder a diver’s response to developing symptoms, thus raising the likelihood of decompression sickness when ascending.

Other options imply either that exercise has no impact or may even reduce the risk, which is misleading. While experience may play a role in a diver's overall safety and decision-making underwater, it does not alter the physiological responses related to heavy exercise and its associated risks.