Effects of transtracheal oxygen therapy on exercise capacity

Although many of the reported advantages of transtracheal oxygen therapy (TTO₂) over traditional methods have been confirmed, improvements in exercise tolerance and the possible mechanisms for this improvement remain controversial. We compared exercise capacity before and after 6 months of TTO₂. Fifteen patients (seven male, eight female), receiving continuous oxygen, were evaluated regarding pulmonary function, blood gases, exercise capacity, and activity profile before and after 6 months of TTO₂ therapy. No significant improvements were observed in pulmonary function (with the exception of increased maximum expiratory pressure [P < .05]), blood gases, cardiovascular function, exercise capacity, or the Human Activity Profile Test. However, cardiovascular function and exercise capacity showed consistent improvement. This suggests that a modest training effect may occur. It appeared that these improvements may be associated indirectly with enhanced cosmesis and self-image which encouraged increases in routine lifestyle activity patterns. The evidence, however, does not appear to support improvements in exercise capacity due to TTO₂ per se.