Ozone in Athletes

One of the methods of application that is suitable for athletes. In this device the heat and humidity is not the main method of treatment but they are a tool for the treating gases to be delivered to the tissues

Medical ozone has been proved that it is absorbed through the skin. This, together with the non-specific heat stimulation produces considerable hyperemia. According to Kunzmann treatment of the whole body for 30minutes in an ozone cabin increases the oxygen partial pressure of the peripheral venous blood up to 25%.

Ozone steam bath is suitable for conditions with or general reduction of oxidation processes in the tissues, e.g. degenerative disorders of the blood vessels, the connective tissue, the locomotor’s system, the parenchyma and CNS and prophylactically in fatigue and stress.

Ultraviolet Irradiation is emitted when the unstable oxygen compound O₃ is dissociated. The radiation acts on the epidermis and on the deeper layers of the skin, where it contributes to the production of protective agents, hormones and vitamins.

It was found that heat and humidity of ozone steam bath increase the nuclear body temperature by 2 °C on an average due to cessation of heat output (hyperthermia). This causes perspiration with excretion of organic acids and end products of metabolism i.e. an increased output of waste products. In addition to this external effect, the internal effect of perspiration increases metabolism with functional stimulation of all organs. The combined ozone-oxygen-hyperthermia treatment results in a lasting relaxation of muscles. Quite remarkably, spastic and stiff limbs can be moved after a few minutes treatment, often without pain.

There are many factors that enhance ozone absorption through the Skin. These include the heat and humidity, high solubility in H₂O, area of Skin exposed, formation of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and lipid oxidation products (LOPs). Ozone dissolves in water-sebum film overlying the outer layer of the stratum corneum and reacts immediately with poly unsaturated fatty acids (PUSFAs) generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) among which H₂O₂ and LOPs. These compounds can be partly absorbed and pass through the transcutaeneous barrier, facilitated by the intense vasodilatation induced by the steam bath.

Both lymphatic and venous capillaries can rapidly transfer LOPs into the general circulation to produce its beneficial effects.