Football season is here, and whether you’re a fan of college football or the NFL, you’ve probably noticed a number of football players wearing oxygen masks while resting on the sidelines between plays. You also may have wondered why they are wearing these oxygen masks and how they can enhance performance.
How An Athlete’s Body Uses Oxygen
Though many often think about oxygen masks being worn by patients in a hospital or after life-threatening situations such as a house fire, oxygen masking for athletes is actually a form of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), which is proven to increase athletes’ performance on the field. This supplemental oxygen boost improves an athlete’s maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max), which also helps speed up recovery and helps athletes perform better. Without oxygen, an athlete’s muscles will begin to accumulate lactic acid, which leads to fatigue.
When an athlete breathes in ambient air, oxygen is carried to the muscles through the bloodstream, according to an Oxygen Plus report. While part of the oxygen is used immediately, the other part is stored by the body to break down glucose. This creates ATP energy, which fuels the body during intense workouts. Using supplemental oxygen through a mask can help maximize an athlete’s recovery period and give them the boost they need to excel.
Benefits of Oxygen Therapy for Athletes
Supplemental oxygen can assist athletes who are dealing with illness. A few weeks ago, San Francisco 49er Deebo Samuels was seen wearing an oxygen mask on the sidelines after rumors surfaced that he was dealing with a potential illness. Samuels was spotted with a mask on while resting after a brief stint in the game. While the status of his illness was unknown at gametime, it appeared that the team’s medical staff offered Samuels the oxygen mask to help his body recover from the intense physical exertion to prevent further compromising his health.
Conclusion
As a known provider of medical gases like oxygen, CalOx is ready to meet the needs of any individuals or athletes utilizing oxygen to boost performance. In addition to providing oxygen, CalOx offers medical gas cylinders, equipment, and refill and delivery services.
Contact us today to learn how our solutions can help you or your athletes reach their peak.