Orthopedics Research and Traumatology · Vol. 4, No. 1 · 2019 · pp. 6–9 · e-ISSN 2473-0963

Muscle Cell Function and the Effects of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Tammy Rossomando

Health and Safety Ergomedic-Consulting, Hillsdale, NJ 07642, USAUnited States

DOI: https://doi.org/10.17140/ortoj-4-115 · Published 2019-11-08 · Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 · © 2019 The Author(s)

Also available as PDF (figures and tables appear in the PDF).

Abstract

There are different processes via which a muscle cell can utilize oxygen to make energy that will sustain activity. The type of activity and duration of activity will determine what energy system is used to sustain the activity being done. Aerobic metabolism uses oxygen to sustain the energy demand. Oxygen is obtained from the air we breathe, and then transported to the cells though the myoglobin. Although ambient air only contains 21% oxygen, it is enough to sustain life and energy needs. But what if the muscle cell could instead receive 100% oxygen? The delivery method would be via hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) which supplies oxygen at 100% concentration under a minimum of 1 atmospheric pressure. Atmospheric pressure will affect the outcomes of consuming 100% oxygen. Research supports positive findings on oxygen therapy under pressure and muscle cell recovery but much research still needs to be investigated. One research study revealed detrimental effects of 100% oxygen breathed in consistently for days resulting in comorbidities that did not exist prior to experiment. HBO can pose some risks but if it is applied in a controlled manner, HBO can be a safe option to enhance cellular recovery and cell function.

Keywords: Oxygen; Hyperbaric oxygen therapy; Muscle recovery; Muscle cells; Pure oxygen

Conclusion

Muscle cell metabolism has been shown to be enhanced by HBO. In some studies, HBO therapy lead to faster recovery times and supports oxygen saturation during hemoglobin transport to cells. Despite the positive cellular effects demonstrated through the research, a few studies had participants remain in discomfort with the effects of DOMS. This begs to question and encourage more research on enhanced positive cellular activity with improved muscle cell function and the negative effects of cellular breakdown and restructuring. Delivering 100% pure oxygen under 2-3 atmospheric pressure on a therapeutic schedule has shown positive results and with this application, injuries have been drastically reduced. Some further research studying the applications of the therapeutic administration would benefit this topic’s next steps. Perhaps with varying daily frequency or application time, other conditions can be abetted. What about doing very light exercise while getting HBO ‘treatment’, what effect would that have?

References

  1. BabulSRhodesEC. The role of hyperbaric oxygen ther apy in sports medicine. Sports Med. 2000; 30(6): 395-403. doi: 10.2165/00007256-200030060-0000210.2165/00007256-200030060-00002 https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-200030060-00002
  2. ATP: What is it and why is it important? Web site. https://www. bodybuilding.com/content/atp-what-is-it-and-why-is-it-impor tant.html. Accessed October 6, 2019
  3. OriJ. What do our body cells do with oxygen? Web site. https:// sciencing.com/do-body-cells-do-oxygen-6388828.html. Accessed October 6, 2019
  4. LambGDWesterbladH. Acute effects of oxygen and nitrogen species on the contractile function of skeletal muscle. The Journal of Physiology. 2011; 589: 2119-2127. doi: 10.1113/jphysiol.2010.19905910.1113/jphysiol.2010.199059 https://doi.org/10.1113/jphysiol.2010.199059
  5. StaughtonJ. What is Glycolysis? Web site. https://www.scienceabc.com/pure-sciences/what-is-glycolysis.html. Accessed October 6, 2019
  6. BrainM. Is it harmful to breathe 100-percent oxygen? Web site. https://science.howstuffworks.com/question493.htm. Accessed October 6, 2019
  7. CRAIG Hospital. How We Breathe. Web site. https://craighospital.org/resources/how-we-breathe. Accessed October 6, 2019
  8. GibbN. Under Pressure–Scuba Diving Risks, the Basic conse quences of Depth and Pressure. Web site. https://www.liveabout. com/depth-and-pressure-scuba-diving-2963200. Accessed Octo ber 6, 2019
  9. BarataPCervaensMResendeRCamachoOMarquesF. Hyperbaric oxygen effects on sports injuries. Ther Adv Musculoskelet Dis. 2013; 3(2): 111-121. doi: 10.1177/1759720X1139917210.1177/1759720x11399172 https://doi.org/10.1177/1759720x11399172
  10. Mayo Clinic. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy/about/ pac-20394380. Accessed October 6, 2019
  11. FergusonRABallDKrustrupP. Muscle oxygen uptake and energy turnover during dynamic exercise at different contraction frequencies in humans. J Physiol. 2001; 536(Pt 1): 261-271. doi: 10.1111/j.1469-7793.2001.00261.x10.1111/j.1469-7793.2001.00261.x https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-7793.2001.00261.x
  12. MayerRHamilton-FarrellMRvan der KleijAJ. Hyperbaric oxygen and radiotherapy. Strahlenther Onkol. 2005; 181(2): 113-123. doi: 10.1007/s00066-005-1277-y10.1007/s00066-005-1277-y https://doi.org/10.1007/s00066-005-1277-y
  13. MortensenCR. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Current Anesthesia Critical Care. 2008; 19: 333-337. doi: 10.1016/j.cacc.2008.07.007 Submit your article to this journal | https://openventio.org/submit-manuscript/10.1016/j.cacc.2008.07.007 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cacc.2008.07.007