ABSTRACT
The effect of bathing with carbonated (CO<sub>2</sub>) water by condensing direct heat exchange type heater (CONDEC, Osaka Gas, Co., Ltd.) on tissue perfusion in rabbits was evaluated experimentally by means of mass spectrometry.<br>CONDEC supplies CO<sub>2</sub> water at 100-150ppm at 40-60°C by a latent heat collecting system in which the combustion gas directly contacts the running water.<br>Mean pH of the water in the bath decreased 15%, mean pH of the subcutaneous tissue decreased 1%, and mean pO<sub>2</sub> and pCO<sub>2</sub> in the subcutaneous tissue increased 7% in comparison to values obtained when tap water was used.<br>Mean tissue prefusion rate was calculated to be 21.71±2.34ml/100g/min (n=11, p<0.05), 15% higer than obtained when tap water was used (18.81±2.96, n=9).<br>CONDEC CO<sub>2</sub> water is thought to be useful for hydrotherapy and for application in health promoting facilities in promoting the tissue perfusion, which is known to lead to recovery from fatigue and chronic pain.