Effects of Drinking Oxygenated Water on Blood Oxygen Saturation During Exercise Under Normobaric Hypoxic Conditions: A Randomized Placebo-controlled Single-blinded Trial

Abstract

Objectives This study aimed to investigate the effects of drinking oxygenated water on oxygen saturation during exercise under normobaric hypoxic conditions.

Materials A randomized placebo-controlled single-blinded trial was performed. Twenty-two healthy adults (16 men and 6 women), with a mean age (standard deviation) of 22.4 (2.73) years, participated in the study. The participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups: an OX group (drinking oxygenated mineral water) and a control group (drinking normal mineral water). Both groups performed walking exercises under normobaric hypoxic conditions. Blood oxygen saturation (SpO₂), pulse rate (PR), and walking distance were measured during exercise.

Results SpO₂ decreased and PR increased during exercise in both groups. The decrease in SpO₂ was smaller and the increase in PR was greater in the OX group compared with those in the control group. No significant difference was found in walking distance between the two groups.

Conclusions Drinking oxygenated water before exercise may inhibit SpO₂ reduction under normobaric hypoxic conditions.