Oxygen therapy implies medical intervention aimed at providing supplemental oxygen to someone with lower-than-normal oxygen levels because of a health condition. The primary goal is to ensure that the body’s tissue receives sufficient oxygen to function effectively.
Different types of equipment are used for oxygen therapy, such as oxygen concentrators, compressed gas systems, liquid oxygen systems, oxygen cannulas, masks, and pulse oximeters. In this article we will discuss the benefits of oxygen therapy for physical activity and Fitness.
Understanding Oxygen Therapy
This therapy is commonly prescribed for patients with conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumonia, asthma, cystic fibrosis, sleep apnoea, and heart failure.
This process requires delivering oxygen-enriched air to the lungs, where it’s absorbed into the bloodstream, supporting the proper functioning of vital organs and tissues via a variety of oxygen machines.
Benefits of Oxygen Therapy During Exercise
The use of oxygen therapy when exercising have numerous advantages, it significantly enhances performance, reduces fatigue and it also aids in post-exercise recovery.
When participating in strenuous exercise, the body generates lactic acid that can lead to muscle fatigue and soreness. Muscles will then require more oxygen to produce energy efficiently because it then delays the onset of fatigue and also to be able to exercise at higher intensities and longer times, thus aiding overall athletic performance while minimising the risk of injury.
Oxygen therapy can be particularly beneficial for athletes training at high altitudes or those with respiratory conditions limiting them to exercise efficiently. These therapy supplements also help them to adapt faster to oxygen-deprived environments.
Oxygen therapy can also be customised to meet individual needs with adjustable flow rates and delivery methods for different workouts. It can also be tailored to increase performance for both, aerobic activities, like running or cycling, and anaerobic activities such as weightlifting.
Exercise While on Oxygen Therapy
Individuals with limitations in lung function and oxygenation, are highly challenged to maintain an active lifestyle. However, it is entirely possible to exercise while on oxygen therapy and it can profoundly strengthen both physical health and overall quality of life.
It is beneficial to exercise while on oxygen therapy, for physical activity levels can be magnified without compromising oxygenation. Oxygen therapy ensures that the body receives adequate oxygen during exercise allowing athletes movement with less breathlessness to perform aerobics and anaerobic with better results.
Above all, exercise while on oxygen therapy helps improve vascular fitness, strengthen muscles, and optimise endurance.
Regular physical exercise can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, improve lung function, and boost the mood. By receiving oxygen therapy while doing physical activity, individuals can magnify their fitness and overall well-being.
Specific considerations to be aware of while doing a workout with oxygen equipment, is to make sure that the oxygen delivery device is securely attached without limiting movement. Portable oxygen concentrators or lightweight oxygen tanks with shoulder straps allow greater mobility.
A pulse oximeter is handy to ensure oxygen levels remain within the target range.
Individuals should choose appropriate types of exercises based on their fitness levels and health status. Low-impact activities can be beneficial without straining the respiratory system. Persons should start exercising slowly and increase the intensity and duration of their workouts gradually while being ready to adjust during the programme if and when necessary.
Suitability and Safety Considerations
Oxygen therapy during exercise can help in respiratory conditions, like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), interstitial lung diseases, cystic fibrosis, and pulmonary hypertension. Those with exertional breathlessness or low oxygen levels during exertion can enjoy overall quality of life using oxygen therapy.
For individuals with underlying health conditions, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before starting oxygen therapy or any exercise operation. A thorough assessment done by a healthcare professional will determine the suitability during exertion and prescribe appropriate oxygen flow rates and training exercises.
Oxygen therapy can maximise exercise capacity and safety, but there are also risks and considerations to be aware of:
Incorrect flow rates and inadequate monitoring of oxygen levels can lead to oxygen toxicity or fire hazards. Specialised monitoring and supervision are important for individuals with health conditions like severe chronic lung disease or heart failure.
Overall Impact on Fitness and Quality of Life
Individuals with respiratory conditions can benefit by combining exercise with oxygen therapy for their fitness and overall lifestyle. The adding of supplemental oxygen during workouts can lead to magnifying cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, and endurance.
Regular exercise while on oxygen therapy helps manage respiratory conditions better by strengthening lung functions, reducing breathlessness and general respiratory health.
Better weight management, lower blood pressure, and improved blood sugar control reduce the risk of obesity, hypertension and diabetes can be reached. Exercise also reduces stress, anxiety, and depression and helps improve energy levels and overall mood.
Oxygen therapy allows everyone to manage their health more effectively that leads to greater independence, social engagement and also their psychological well-being.
