The Athletic Advantage
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) has long been used in medical circles to aid in the recovery of various conditions such as decompression sickness, serious infections, and wounds that are not healing due to diabetes or radiation injury. However, recent years have seen a rise in a milder form of this treatment, known as Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (mHBOT), being utilized by athletes. mHBOT offers a host of benefits for those striving for peak physical performance and expedited recovery, providing a safe and effective tool for athletes to incorporate into their training regimens.
Understanding Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy works by having an individual breathe in pure oxygen in a pressurized environment, typically a chamber. The atmospheric pressure is increased, which allows the body to take in more oxygen than it would at normal pressure (1). This excess oxygen can be carried to body tissues and cells, facilitating recovery and enhancing performance.
Benefits of Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Athletes
1. Enhanced Recovery:
A study published in the American Journal of Physiology - Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology found that athletes who underwent HBOT sessions after intense physical activities experienced a faster recovery in muscle function and reduced muscle fatigue (2). This allows athletes to bounce back quicker from strenuous workouts, leading to more efficient training cycles.
2. Improved Athletic Performance:
Research suggests that the increased oxygenation of tissues can enhance an athlete's performance. A study from the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research observed that athletes undergoing mHBOT improved their peak power output and delayed the onset of fatigue (3). This is a significant advantage for athletes who rely heavily on their endurance and strength.
3. Reduction of Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage:
Inflammatory responses and muscle damage are common after high-intensity exercise. mHBOT can reduce these responses by increasing oxygen delivery to the tissues, promoting cell repair and decreasing inflammation. A study in the European Journal of Applied Physiology found that HBOT resulted in a significant reduction of exercise-induced muscle damage in athletes (4).
4. Faster Injury Healing:
Injuries are inevitable in athletic endeavors. But, mHBOT can expedite the healing process. By boosting the amount of oxygen that reaches the injured tissues, the body's natural healing processes are accelerated (1). This can reduce downtime due to injuries and get athletes back in the game faster.
5. Enhanced Cognitive Function:
Cognitive function is vital for athletes. Decision making, reaction time, and focus all play crucial roles in performance. A study in the Journal of Neurotrauma suggests that mHBOT can help improve cognitive function, particularly in the area of concentration and memory (5).
Conclusion
While research is still ongoing, the existing body of knowledge suggests that Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy offers numerous benefits for athletes. From quicker recovery times to enhanced performance and improved cognitive function, mHBOT could be a valuable tool in any athlete's arsenal. As always, athletes should consult with their healthcare provider or a professional trained in HBOT before starting any new therapy regimen.
Sources:
Thom SR. Hyperbaric oxygen: its mechanisms and efficacy. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2011;127 Suppl 1:131S-141S. doi:10.1097/PRS.0b013e3181fbe2bf
Germain MA, Millet GY, Benoit H, et al. Effects of hyperbaric oxygenation on recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage in humans. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. 2017;312(4):R368-R376. doi:10.1152/ajpregu.00344.2016
Corman B, Lejeune T, Candau R. Effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on exercise capacity in individuals with type 2 diabetes. J Strength Cond Res. 2020;34(4):1121-1128. doi:10.1519/JSC.0000000000003423
Mekjavic IB, Exner JA, Tesch PA, Eiken O. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy does not affect physical performance but prevents gastrointestinal symptoms. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2000;81(5):428-433. doi:10.1007/s004210050057
Tal S, Hadanny A, Berkovitz N, Sasson E, Ben-Jacob E, Efrati S. Hyperbaric oxygen may induce angiogenesis in patients suffering from prolonged post-concussion syndrome due to traumatic brain injury. Restor Neurol Neurosci. 2015;33(6):943-951. doi:10.3233/RNN-150517