Is hyperbaric oxygen therapy useful after exercise?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) involves a person breathing 100% oxygen in a hyperbaric chamber where the air pressure is higher than normal atmospheric pressure. This therapy has been used for years to treat various medical conditions such as decompression sickness, carbon monoxide poisoning and difficult-to-heal wounds.

However, the application of HBOT for athletes has recently received increased attention, mainly due to its potential benefits for recovery and performance.

HBOT can increase the amount of oxygen available to damaged tissues, which could help with faster recovery from muscle injuries, bone fractures and ligament injuries. The increased oxygen supply could reduce inflammation and swelling in injured areas more quickly. It is also said to improve muscle recovery and reduce muscle fatigue.

While there are positive anecdotal reports and some small-scale studies, there is still a need for large-scale, well-controlled studies to definitively determine the effectiveness of HBOT for athletes. However, current scientific literature does not yet provide definitive conclusions about the effectiveness of HBOT for improving sports performance.

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 0000-00-00 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2024