The Evidence Behind HBOT

Research suggests HBOT may help support recovery by increasing oxygen delivery, stimulating neuroplasticity, promoting healthy blood vessel growth, and supporting the body's natural repair processes.^1-5

Studies using advanced brain imaging have demonstrated measurable changes in brain activity and blood flow following a course of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. Researchers have observed improvements in oxygen utilisation, circulation, and neuroplasticity, helping explain why HBOT is increasingly being explored in recovery, performance, and wellness settings.^1,2,3

Why Oxygen Matters

Every cell in the body relies on oxygen to produce energy. Under normal conditions, oxygen is carried through the bloodstream attached to red blood cells. During Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), individuals breathe concentrated oxygen in a pressurised environment, allowing significantly greater amounts of oxygen to dissolve directly into the blood plasma.⁵

This increase in oxygen availability may help support tissues that are receiving less oxygen than they need, while also encouraging a range of biological processes involved in repair, recovery, and regeneration.^4,5

Research suggests HBOT may influence:^1-5

• Cellular energy production (ATP)⁵
• Healthy blood vessel growth (angiogenesis)⁴
• Stem cell mobilisation⁴
• Inflammatory regulation⁵
• Tissue repair and regeneration^4,5
• Neuroplasticity and brain function^1,2

Neuroplasticity: The Brain's Ability to Adapt and Repair

One of the most fascinating areas of HBOT research involves neuroplasticity — the brain's ability to reorganise, form new connections, and adapt following injury or stress.¹

In a landmark study published in PLOS ONE, researchers investigated individuals who had experienced a stroke months or even years earlier. Following a course of HBOT, participants demonstrated measurable neurological improvements alongside significant changes on brain imaging scans. Researchers concluded that HBOT was associated with activation of neuroplasticity, even in chronic stages long after the original injury.¹

The study used SPECT brain imaging to demonstrate increased activity and blood flow in previously underperforming areas of the brain. These findings suggest that the brain may retain a remarkable capacity for adaptation when provided with the right physiological environment.¹

“The brain may retain a remarkable capacity for adaptation when provided with the right physiological environment.”
Efrati et al., PLOS ONE (2013)¹

Figure 1. Example visualisation showing increased brain activity and blood flow following a course of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. Based on findings reported by Efrati et al. (2013).¹

While HBOT is not a cure for neurological conditions, these findings have generated considerable interest in its potential role within recovery-focused programmes.¹

Oxygen Delivery and Cognitive Function

The brain consumes approximately 20% of the body's oxygen despite representing only around 2% of body weight. When oxygen delivery is compromised, cognitive performance, concentration, and mental clarity may be affected.²

A randomised controlled study investigating mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) compared HBOT with conventional oxygen therapy. Both approaches improved outcomes, but the HBOT group demonstrated greater improvements in cognitive assessments and markers associated with brain recovery. Researchers concluded that HBOT may improve cerebral oxygenation and support recovery of cognitive function following injury.²

These findings support the growing understanding that oxygen availability plays a crucial role in supporting healthy brain metabolism and function.^2,5

Blood Flow, Circulation and Recovery

One of the key mechanisms proposed in HBOT research is improved microcirculation.^4,5

When tissues receive more oxygen, the body may respond by stimulating angiogenesis — the development of new blood vessels. This process helps improve long-term oxygen delivery to tissues and supports natural healing processes. Research has shown that HBOT can influence vascular growth factors and promote improved tissue oxygenation.⁴

Healthy circulation is fundamental to recovery because oxygen, nutrients, and immune cells all depend on the vascular system to reach tissues efficiently.⁵

This may help explain why HBOT continues to be investigated across a wide range of recovery and rehabilitation settings.^4,5

What Does the Research Say About Long COVID?

Persistent symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, poor concentration, sleep disruption, and reduced exercise tolerance have become increasingly recognised following COVID-19 infection.³

Recent research has explored whether HBOT may help support recovery in some individuals experiencing these symptoms. A sham-controlled randomised trial reported improvements in cognitive symptoms, sleep quality, quality of life, and psychological wellbeing following a course of HBOT. Follow-up studies suggested some benefits were maintained over time. Researchers proposed that improved brain perfusion and neuroplasticity may contribute to these observations.³

Figure 2. Improvements in energy, sleep quality, psychological wellbeing, and pain-related quality of life reported following HBOT in individuals with post-COVID condition. Adapted from Zilberman-Itskovich et al. (2022).³

Importantly, long COVID remains an evolving field of research. While several studies have reported encouraging findings, other trials have produced more mixed results, highlighting the need for continued investigation.³

This is why HBOT should be viewed as an area of active research rather than a guaranteed treatment approach.

The Bigger Picture

What makes Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy particularly interesting is that it does not target a single symptom or body system. Instead, it creates a physiological environment that may support many of the body's natural repair mechanisms.^1-5

Research continues to explore how increased oxygen availability may influence:

• Neuroplasticity¹
• Cellular energy production⁵
• Blood vessel growth⁴
• Tissue regeneration^4,5
• Recovery and resilience^1-5

As our understanding grows, HBOT is increasingly being studied for its potential role in supporting recovery, performance, and overall wellbeing.

At The Oxygen Room, we are committed to following emerging research and providing clients with access to advanced wellness technologies backed by an evolving body of scientific evidence.

References

1. Efrati S, Fishlev G, Bechor Y, et al. (2013). Hyperbaric Oxygen Induces Late Neuroplasticity in Post Stroke Patients — Randomized, Prospective Trial. PLOS ONE, 8(1): e53716.
2. Harch PG, Andrews SR, Fogarty EF, et al. (2020). A Phase I Study of Low Pressure Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Blast-Induced Post-Concussion Syndrome and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Medical Gas Research.
3. Zilberman-Itskovich S, Catalogna M, Sasson E, et al. (2022). Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Improves Neurocognitive Functions and Symptoms of Post-COVID Condition: Randomised Sham-Controlled Trial. Scientific Reports.
4. Thom SR, Bhopale VM, Velazquez OC, et al. (2006). Stem Cell Mobilization by Hyperbaric Oxygen. American Journal of Physiology.
5. Gill AL, Bell CNA. (2004). Hyperbaric Oxygen: Its Uses, Mechanisms of Action and Outcomes. QJM: An International Journal of Medicine.

Important Notice: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is an area of active scientific research. While studies have reported promising findings in a variety of health and wellness applications, individual results may vary. HBOT should not be considered a replacement for medical diagnosis, treatment, or advice from a qualified healthcare professional.