Comparing the effects on physical performance when super oxygenated water is consumed vs regular bottled water

Abstract

Inhalation of supplemental oxygen has been very popular as a potential way to increase athletic performance and to decrease recovery time despite very little data to support its efficacy. Super oxygenated water has recently become popular due to claims that it may also serve as ergogenic aid. Scientific studies examining the effects of super oxygenated water on physical performance have yet to be published. The purpose of this study was to compare hemodynamic and physiological function during exercise after ingesting super oxygenated water in comparison to regularly bottled water. Twelve apparently healthy subjects successfully completed all testing requirements for this study. Each subject completed two sequential VO2max tests on separate days following the consumption of either super oxygenated water or regular bottled water. Variables measured included submaximal and maximal oxygen uptake, heart rate, blood pressure, RPE, and blood lactate. No significant differences (p < .05) were found between treatments for any of these variables. It was concluded that consumption of super oxygenated water has no positive effect on physical performance or recovery from exercise in apparently healthy subjects.