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DOES 15 MINUTES OF OXYGEN IMPROVE
BREATHING, ENERGY, AND CONTENTMENT? A PILOT SHAM OXYGEN STUDY
Derek
Hochgesang, BS, CRT, Adam Spartz, BS, CRT, Andy Song, BS, CRT,
Deborah L Cullen, EdD, RRT, FAARC
Indiana University, Indianapolis,
Indiana
BACKGROUND:The popular rise of oxygen bars has become a growing trend in large
cities across the United States. With claims stating that healthy
people can improve vitality by inhaling oxygen, there has also been
criticism from health professionals that the benefits are
unwarranted. Although studies have been conducted concerning the
effects of oxygen as a medical drug for patients with conditions such
as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and respiratory
failure, no medical studies have been published demonstrating health
benefits from breathing oxygen in the manner dispensed at oxygen
bars.
METHODS: Our aim was to evaluate any difference between
oxygen and sham therapy/air administration (placebo) during a 15
minute trial. This was a single-blinded, randomized,
placebo-controlled trial consisting of twenty volunteer college
students with no predisposing heart or lung conditions. One group
received 15 minutes of oxygen (oxygen group) via nasal cannula. The
other group received 15 minutes of compressed air (placebo group).
Delivery units were covered to prevent participants from viewing the
device. Vital signs (heart and oxygen saturation) were monitored and
subjective questionnaires were completed by the subjects pre and post
administration of gas regarding perceptions about mental, physical,
emotional, and physiologic well-being using a visual analog scale
ranging from 1-10 (1=low, 10=high). Compliance with IRB policy was
followed.
RESULTS: Data from the trial revealed the placebo
group reported positive or indiscernible changes after receiving the
compressed air at the physical, energy, emotional, physiological, and
current feeling levels. The oxygen group declined in four of six
categories. No statistical difference between the groups was observed
post-study for heart rate, VAS measures, or improvement in breathing,
reinvigoration, or energy (t-tests p<0.5).
CONCLUSION: Data gathered from the evaluation concluded that
there was little to no difference with SaO2, HR, and post-VAS
measures, or improvement post-gas administration between the oxygen
and sham group. Calculations indicated there were no statistical
significances between those who received oxygen and those who
received air. Any purported beneficial effects by proponents of
oxygen bars are yet to be substantiated. Large scale studies
determining the benefits of oxygen bars should be conducted.
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