The effect of superoxygenated water on blood gases, lactate, and aerobic cycling performance.
BACKGROUND
Recently, superoxygenated-water beverages have emerged as a new purported ergogenic substance.


OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to determine the effects of superoxygenated water on submaximal endurance performance.


METHODS
Eleven active male subjects, VO2max 52.6 +/- 4.8 mL . kg-1 . min-1, height 180.0 +/- 2.0 cm, weight 76.0 +/- 7.0 kg, age 24 +/- 1.0 y (mean +/- SD), completed a 45-min cycle-ergometry exercise test at 70% of their previously predicted maximal power output with a 10-min rest period, followed by a 15-min time trial (TT). Thirty min before the exercise test subjects consumed 15 mL of either superoxygenated water (E) or placebo (P; water mixed with low-chlorine solution). Subjects then completed the test again a week later for the other condition (double-blind, randomized). The physiological variables measured during exercise were VO2, VCO2, respiratory-exchange ratio (RER), VE, PO2, PCO2, blood lactate (bLa-), and heart rate (HR). Mean distance covered and the average power output for the 15-min TT were also measured as performance indicators.


RESULTS
There were no significant differences in VO2, VCO2, RER, VE, bLa-, PO2, and HR (P > .05) during the exercise tests. Neither were there any significant improvements in the total distance covered (P 9.01 +/- 0.74 km vs E 8.96 +/- 0.68 km, P > .05) or the average power output (P 186.7 +/- 35.8 W vs E 179.0 +/- 25.9 W, P > .05) during the 15-min TT.


CONCLUSIONS
Based on these results the authors conclude that consuming 15 mL of superoxygenated water does not enhance submaximal or maximal TT cycling performance.
McNaughton
Lars R
LR
Applied Physiology Laboratory, University of Hull, England.
Kenney
Steve
S
Siegler
Jason
J
Midgley
Adrian W
AW
Lovell
Ric J
RJ
Bentley
David J
DJ
D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D001642:Bicycling / Q000502:physiology*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D017079:Exercise Tolerance / Q000502:physiology; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D019344:Lactic Acid / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D010092:Oximetry; D010101:Oxygen Consumption
D019344:Lactic Acid