A Portable Device for Intermittent Oxygen Supplementation during High-Intensity Exercise

Abstract

Introduction: Oxygen supplementation increases physical performance during strenuous work, as known for more than 100 years. There is no widespread use among athletes, which could be due to logistical challenges with gas supply when breathing over 200 L/min. We hypothesized that a positive effect could be reached with a moderate increase in alveolar PO2. If so, a technical solution here called “Oxelerator” could be constructed combining intermittent gas supply with oxygen concentrators running of electricity and a small bottle. Methods. This study describes the theoretical details regarding gas flow and consumption as well as a practical test of the Oxelerator when used during intense exercise by two athletes with high VO2 and work capacity. Results: The Oxelerator generates a peak gas flow of 32 L/min dosed intermittently in 400 - 700 ms boluses adjusted to the inspiratory phase of breathing, mixing oxygen with surrounding air. Theoretical calculations show that 1 liter tank suffice for 20 - 40 minutes of high intensity exercise and hyperoxic FEO2 while breathing above 200 L/min. The first subject ran on a treadmill at a VO2 of 4.64 L/min, RER 0.94. Then intermittent oxygen supplementation was initiated, and FEO2 reached 25.96% after 1 minute. The second subject rowed an ergometer at 330 W. VO2 stabilized at 5.67 L/min, with RER 0.91. After 1 minute of oxygen supplementation mixed expired FEO2 was 22.58% suggesting that inspired FO2 averaged 28 - 31%. Conclusions: A portable technical solution is proposed that enable intermittent O2 supplementation enough to increase end-expiratory FO2 during intense workloads. This will enable hyperoxic exercise for athletes.