Light intensity exercise and sleep: Indications of enhanced oxygen diffusion, perfusion, and metabolism

Background Hypoxia underlies or complicates a wide range of chronic conditions. Previous research suggests slower-paced exercises may develop states of relaxation, combined with enhanced respiration, which may trigger increased oxygen perfusion and metabolism, stimulating cellular regeneration and healing. Stages of sleep indicate a similar effect. Methods A Nonin WristOx 3150 was used to record blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) in 10 participants reporting good health during and following walking on a treadmill at 1.5 mph. Additional measurements were taken of 10 members of a tai chi group for comparison. Measurements were also taken of the lead researcher during sleep and moderate intensity aerobic exercise. Results The fitness center group showed no significant change in SpO2. The tai chi group experienced a brief momentary post-activity drop before returning to normal levels within 5-minutes of stopping the activity ( P < =  .001), to 89.30 ± 1.70% following tai chi; 88.40 ± 1.43% following qigong; and 89.90 ± 2.02% following slow-paced walking. No significant change occurred following moderate aerobic activity. Measurements during sleep showed periodic drops similar to those demonstrated by the tai chi group. Conclusions Metaerobic theory is proposed as an explanation for results. Metaerobic theory posits that the momentary post-activity drops in SpO2 following slow-paced exercises, and intermittently during sleep, may signal a shift back to normal metabolism following a period of enhanced oxygen perfusion and metabolism. Metaerobic effects may explain the non-aerobic benefits of slower-paced exercises and the healing benefits of sleep, related to enhanced healing and cellular regeneration through enhanced oxygen perfusion and metabolism.