Effect of Hyperoxygenated Environment on Maximal Muscle Strength

All three major energy systems - phosphagen, glycolytic, and oxidative - contribute to any given physical effort. However, it has been widely deemed that the contribution of the oxidative energy system (aerobic) to motor tasks at the very high end of the intensity spectrum, such as maximal muscle strength efforts, is close to negligible. Hyperoxygenated environment includes the inhalation of 100% oxygen at pressures exceeding one atmosphere absolute (ATA) in order to enhance the amount of oxygen dissolved in the body tissues. During hyperbaric chamber treatment, the arterial O2 tension typically exceeds 1500 mmHg, and levels of 200-400 mmHg occur in different body tissues.

The isometric mid-thigh pull test (IMTP) is an increasingly popular means to evaluate muscle strength in a multi-joint, large muscle-mass, mostly lower-body motor task.

Our study aims to determine whether a high availability of muscle tissue oxygen, by means of hyperbaric oxygenation, can influence the putative small contribution of the oxidative energy system significantly enough to affect peak-force production in a maximal IMTP.

Inclusion criteria

• Healthy
• Ages 18-45
• Participants are physically active and have a recent resistance-training experience of at least six months, ≥ 3 times a week
• Participant willing and able to read, understand and sign an informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• Inability to attend scheduled clinic visits or comply with the study protocol
• Active malignancy
• Active smokers
• Previous treatment of hyperbaric chamber for any reason prior to study enrollment.
• Chest pathology incompatible with pressure changes
• Major orthopedic injury at the past 3 months
• Inner ear disease
• Lung pathology
• Claustrophobia
• Previous neurologic conditions (e.g., epilepsy, brain tumors or s/p neurosurgery etc.)
• Comorbidities and medications that rule out the subject