Changes in transcutaneous tcPO2 during water immersion and its effects on the human body

Abstract

Changes in transcutaneous PO2(tcPO2) during water immersions with O2 and N2 bubbling are presented. Three healthy male volunteers underwent water immersions for 30 min. Water temperature was controlled to 36.5 degrees C to minimize any thermal stress. Minute ventilation (Ve), oxygen consumption (VO2), heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), and body temperature (Tb) were continuously monitored throughout exposure. In addition, tcPO2 electrode was mounted on the volar side of the right forearm in the middle part of immersion and tcPO2 and tcPCO2 were then monitored in the water. Blood flow of the right forearm was also measured following tcPO2/tcPCO2 measurements The tcPO2 values during water immersions with O2 bubbling were higher than those with N2 bubbling for given blood flow. Although end-tidal PO2 remained unchanged for any occasion, Ve, VO2, HR, RR during water immersions with O2 bubbling were significantly decreased compared to those with N2 bubbling. Results suggest that cutaneous respiration facilitated by hydration may contribute higher tcPO2 values during water immersions with O2 bubbling and may be somewhat related to systemic changes.