Objective: To study effects of oxygen-increased respirator on blood oxygen saturation (SaO2) and heart rate under altitude hypoxic environment.
Method: Nine subjects were carried to the plateau of 3700 m by air for the first time, and then four trials were carried out two hours later. First, SaO2 and heart rate were examined during rest without oxygen-increased respirators, and then the examination was repeated by using the respirators. Second, the examinations were repeated during loaded exercise test without respirators. After rest for one hour, test of using the respirators during motion was carried out finally.
Result: During rest, after using respirators, the level of SaO2 increased significantly while heart rate decreased notably (P<0.05) than those without respirators. During loaded-bicycle exercise, after using respirators, the level of SaO2 increased significantly (P<0.05) than that without respirators, while heart rate didn't show significant difference (P>0.05). But, the recoveries of heart rate after three minutes and fives minutes were better than those without respirators (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Oxygen-increased respirator can improve the capacity of workload under altitude hypoxic environment. It can promote the acclimation to high altitude.