Advisor Information
Dustin Slivka, Ph.D.
Presentation Type
Poster
Start Date
1-3-2019 10:45 AM
End Date
1-3-2019 12:00 PM
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Carbon dioxide (CO2) plays a normal part in gas exchange and acid-base equilibrium in the human body. With added stress or exposure, CO2 levels can accumulate in the blood and tissues, causing hypercapnia. Research has shown that exposure to CO2 at 4% or 40,000 ppm will cause cardio-respiratory changes, both at rest and during exercise. Lower levels may still cause changes under conditions of added stress, but this has not been elucidated. Preliminary data from our laboratory chamber suggests physiological changes at levels of CO2 reaching 0.08% or 8,000 ppm during experiments with exercising subjects. Without a CO2 scrubber, the heavy breathing from exercising subjects will build up CO2 in the chamber. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to explore whether exposure to incremental carbon dioxide levels of up to 2% (20,000 ppm) in the environmental chamber result in different physiological responses to exercise and recovery when compared to controlled CO2 levels resembling normal air at 0.03% (300 ppm). METHODS: Subjects will perform two randomized cycling trials for 1 hour at 70% VO2peak with resting recovery for 30 minutes in the same condition. One trial will be in naturally-elevated (up to 2%) CO2 and one in normal (0.03%) CO2. Cardiovascular and respiratory measures will be taken throughout both trials to determine the physiological response to elevated CO2 during vigorous exercise. IMPLICATIONS: These changes will elucidate the impact of CO2 buildup in the chamber with extended use and justify the use of a CO2 scrubber in enclosed spaces.
Physiological Response to Exercise with Naturally-Occurring Carbon Dioxide Exposure
BACKGROUND: Carbon dioxide (CO2) plays a normal part in gas exchange and acid-base equilibrium in the human body. With added stress or exposure, CO2 levels can accumulate in the blood and tissues, causing hypercapnia. Research has shown that exposure to CO2 at 4% or 40,000 ppm will cause cardio-respiratory changes, both at rest and during exercise. Lower levels may still cause changes under conditions of added stress, but this has not been elucidated. Preliminary data from our laboratory chamber suggests physiological changes at levels of CO2 reaching 0.08% or 8,000 ppm during experiments with exercising subjects. Without a CO2 scrubber, the heavy breathing from exercising subjects will build up CO2 in the chamber. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to explore whether exposure to incremental carbon dioxide levels of up to 2% (20,000 ppm) in the environmental chamber result in different physiological responses to exercise and recovery when compared to controlled CO2 levels resembling normal air at 0.03% (300 ppm). METHODS: Subjects will perform two randomized cycling trials for 1 hour at 70% VO2peak with resting recovery for 30 minutes in the same condition. One trial will be in naturally-elevated (up to 2%) CO2 and one in normal (0.03%) CO2. Cardiovascular and respiratory measures will be taken throughout both trials to determine the physiological response to elevated CO2 during vigorous exercise. IMPLICATIONS: These changes will elucidate the impact of CO2 buildup in the chamber with extended use and justify the use of a CO2 scrubber in enclosed spaces.