Effect of changes in arterial oxygen content on circulation and physical performance.

To evaluate the effect of different levels of arterial oxygen content on hemodynamic parameters during exercise nine subjects performed submaximal bicycle or treadmill exercise and maximal treadmill exercise under three different experimental conditions: 1) breathing room air (control); 2) breathing 50% oxygen (hyperoxia); 3) after rebreathing a carbon monoxide gas mixture (hypoxia). Maximal oxygen consumption (Vo2 max) was significantly higher in hyperoxia (4.99 1/min) and significantly lower in hypoxia (3.80 1/min) than in the control experiment (4.43 1/min). Physical performance changes in parallel with Vo2 max. Maximal cardiac output (Qmax) was similar in hyperoxia as in control but was significantly lower in hypoxia mainly due to a decreased stroke volume. A correlation was found between Vo2 max and transported oxygen, i.e., Cao2 times Amax, thus suggesting that central circulation is an important limiting factor for human maximal aerobic power. During submaximal work HR was decreased in hyperoxia and increased in hypoxia. Corresponding Q values were unchanged except for a reduction during high submaximal exercise in hyperoxia.