A Paradigm Shift in Walking, Sleep, and Exercise: Unique Effects on Blood Oxygen Saturation, Oxygen Diffusion, and Cellular Metabolism

Abstract Hypoxia underlies or complicates a wide range of chronic conditions, including cancer, arthritis, chronic pain, multiple sclerosis, stroke, chronic kidney disease, diabetes and more. Research is presented supporting indications that slower-paced exercises may develop states of relaxation, combined with enhanced respiration, which may trigger accelerated diffusion and facilitated oxygen use in the cells, stimulating cellular regeneration and healing. Metarobic theory is proposed as a physiological explanation for the benefits of slower-paced exercises, and as a good fit with aerobic and anaerobic categories of exercise. Metarobic theory posits that the momentary post activity drop in blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) following slow-paced exercises, and intermittently during sleep, may be the result of increased oxygen diffusion and metabolism. Metarobic effects may explain the non-aerobic health benefits of slower paces of walking, tai chi, qigong, and other slow-paced exercises, as well as the healing benefits of sleep. Research from the current study is presented, which supports that the momentary large drops in SpO2 ranging from 85% to 92% (m=89.2%±1.79) following slower-paced exercises, and periodically during sleep, may indicate a shift in the use and metabolism of oxygen. It is suggested that the momentary drop in SpO2 may follow an accelerated period of oxygen diffusion in response to hypoxic areas of the body, and a need for enhanced healing and cellular regeneration. In relation to sleep, this contrasts to current theory that lower levels of SpO2 during sleep result from more shallow respiration, due to the body needing less oxygen during sleep, resulting in hypoxemia. The end effect of slow-paced exercises and sleep may be to reverse or moderate hypoxia in the body through metarobic effects including enhanced oxygen diffusion, supporting healing and cellular regeneration. Competing Interest Statement The authors have declared no competing interest.