2004 OPEN FORUM Abstracts
CAN AN OXYGEN SPRAY IMPROVE EXERCISE PERFORMANCE?
Kim Adams
B.S.CRT, Holli Smith B.S.CRT, Lisa Wright B.S.CRT, Deborah L.
Cullen, EdD, RRT, FAARC, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN
Background:
We conducted a blinded placebo-controlled trial to compare the
aerosol spray Oxygen Shot™ to that of a water-based placebo,
Evian Mineral Water Spray™. Oxygen Shot™ is marketed as
oxygenated water. Both aerosol mists were measured to contain 21%
oxygen. Our research question was: Will a difference in heart rate,
dyspnea or post-exercise improvement be observed between aerobic
exercisers utilizing the aerosol mist Oxygen Shot or the placebo?
Methods: We randomly selected 27 subjects from our
convenience sample of an aerobic exercise class, 12 were given the
placebo-Evian Mineral Water Spray™ and 15 were given Oxygen
Shot™. Participants were instructed to utilize the aerosol
during the class as desired. Each spray was covered so participants
could not identify the aerosol. Measures included; heart rate
before, during, and after exercise, visual analog scale for dyspnea,
and a post-exercise question regarding the rejuvenation properties of
the spray. Compliance with IRB policy was followed.
Results:
See Table. More participants using Oxygen Shot™ stated that
they were refreshed and rejuvenated with less dyspnea. The t-test
determined there was not a significant difference between the two
groups at the p < .05 level for post-exercise refreshment.
Summary: Aerosol sprays may be equally effective in reducing
dyspnea and refreshing exercisers. Only slight differences in heart
rate, VAS dyspnea and refreshment were noted. Oxygen Shot™ was
perceived as effective as the placebo for refreshment of exercisers.
We recommend this pilot study be replicated with more subjects.
Table
1: Oxygenated Aerosol Spray Results
| HR | Post VAS | Refreshed/Rejuvenated | |
| Oxygen Shot | 79/143/92 | 35 | 73.4 |
| Evian | 80/105/102 | 46 | 66.7 |