Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Performance
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurised chamber, allowing more oxygen to dissolve in the bloodstream and reach body tissues. This technique has been explored in sport as a way to improve recovery, support endurance, and reduce fatigue. (Slater et al, 2025) While research findings vary, interest in hyperbaric oxygen therapy performance continues to grow in both recreational and elite athletic settings (Hadanny et al., 2022).
Potential Benefits for Athletes
Several studies suggest HBOT may influence mitochondrial function, which plays a key role in energy production. Improvements in VO₂ max, anaerobic threshold, and overall endurance have been observed in trials involving middle-aged athletes undergoing structured HBOT sessions (Hadanny et al., 2022). In addition to possible physiological benefits, some research indicates that athletes report lower perceived fatigue following HBOT, even if measurable performance markers do not always change (Frontiers in Physiology, 2024).
Recovery and Perceived Stress
In team sports such as football, HBOT has been studied as a recovery tool following high-intensity match play. Players reported reduced subjective fatigue scores shortly after treatment (Frontiers in Physiology, 2024). This suggests that, even when physical outcomes are limited, HBOT may positively influence perceived stress and recovery, which can be valuable in demanding training schedules.
Conclusion
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy offers a potential avenue for supporting athletic performance and recovery, particularly in relation to endurance and perceived fatigue. As research develops, HBOT may become a more refined option for athletes seeking integrative approaches to training and recovery.
References
Frontiers in Physiology. (2024). Effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on recovery after a football match in young players: A double-blind randomised controlled trial. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2024.1483142
Hadanny, A., Hachmo, Y., Rozali, D., Catalogna, M., Yaakobi, E., Sova, M., … Gal, N. (2022). Effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on mitochondrial respiration and physical performance in middle-aged athletes: A blinded, randomised controlled trial. Sports Medicine – Open. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40798-021-00403-w
Slater, Gordon & Bachmid, Z & Salleh, R. (2025). Journal of Regenerative Biology and Medicine Current Concepts Review: HBOT in the Treatment of Sports Related Concussion. 365-372. 10.37191/Mapsci-2582-385X-7(1)-149. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/393660020_Journal_of_Regenerative_Biology_and_Medicine_Current_Concepts_Review_HBOT_in_the_Treatment_of_Sports_Related_Concussion
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