30 Participants Needed

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Cardiovascular Fitness

Recruiting at 1 trial location
EL
Overseen ByEmma Lehrer, BSA Biology
Age: 18 - 65
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: University of Texas at Austin
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests whether breathing pure oxygen in a special chamber at a pressure of 1.75 atmospheres can boost heart fitness and reduce inflammation in healthy adults. Researchers aim to determine if this treatment, known as Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), can improve VO₂ max, a measure of the body's oxygen use linked to heart health. The study also seeks to balance proteins called cytokines that control inflammation, aiming to find a unique pressure that addresses different types of inflammation simultaneously. Physically active individuals who haven't recently undergone HBOT and are free from conditions like lung diseases or claustrophobia may be suitable for this trial. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research on heart health and inflammation.

What prior data suggests that hyperbaric oxygen therapy is safe for cardiovascular fitness?

Research has shown that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is generally safe for approved medical conditions. Most people tolerate it well, and serious issues are rare. Some mild problems, like ear pressure or temporary vision changes, might occur, but they usually resolve quickly.

Studies have found that HBOT doesn't significantly change blood pressure or heart rate, whether at rest or during exercise, indicating good tolerance in these areas. However, some reports note slight increases in blood pressure during HBOT sessions, but these changes are usually not harmful.

While HBOT isn't suitable for everyone, such as those with certain lung diseases, it is mostly safe for healthy individuals. The therapy involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber, which helps the body heal by increasing oxygen levels. This study examines a specific pressure level, 1.75 ATA, to determine if it can reduce inflammation and improve heart health without causing major side effects.12345

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is unique because it involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized room or chamber, which is quite different from standard cardiovascular treatments like medications or lifestyle changes. Researchers are excited about HBOT because it offers a novel approach by potentially improving cardiovascular fitness through increased oxygen delivery to tissues, which could enhance healing and performance. Unlike typical treatments that focus on managing symptoms or preventing disease progression, HBOT might improve overall cardiovascular health in a more immediate and direct way.

What evidence suggests that hyperbaric oxygen therapy might be an effective treatment for cardiovascular fitness?

Research has shown that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) might enhance physical performance by altering the body's oxygen utilization. One study found that HBOT increased aerobic capacity, which refers to the body's efficiency in using oxygen during intense exercise, by affecting muscle cells. For older adults, HBOT has shown promise in enhancing physical abilities. In this trial, participants will receive HBOT at a medium pressure of 1.75 ATA, which might reduce inflammation and improve heart and lung fitness by increasing VO₂ max, a measure of how well the heart and lungs supply oxygen to the body.26789

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

Healthy adults aged 30-60 who are interested in potentially improving their cardiovascular fitness and reducing inflammation may participate. They must not have any current health issues that could be affected by hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Inclusion Criteria

Physically active individuals with no history of chronic illness or HBOT exposure within the last three months.

Exclusion Criteria

I do not have lung diseases or claustrophobia that prevent HBOT.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants undergo 24 HBOT sessions at 1.75 ATA, each lasting 100 minutes, over 8 weeks

8 weeks
24 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in VO₂ max and cytokine levels after treatment

4 weeks
2 visits (in-person)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Trial Overview

The trial is testing if breathing pure oxygen at a specific pressure (1.75 ATA) inside a pressurized chamber can enhance cardiovascular fitness (measured as VO₂ max) and lower markers of inflammation in healthy individuals.

How Is the Trial Designed?

1

Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy 1.75 atmospheresExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Texas at Austin

Lead Sponsor

Trials
387
Recruited
86,100+

Citations

Effects of Pre-, Post- and Intra-Exercise Hyperbaric Oxygen ...

Conclusion: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy before or after exercise had no significant effect on performance and recovery. However, hyperbaric ...

Effects of high-intensity interval training with hyperbaric ...

We hypothesized that HBO 2 could enhance aerobic capacity by inducing mitochondrial biogenesis via redox signaling in skeletal muscle.

Physical enhancement of older adults using hyperbaric oxygen

The findings of the study indicate that HBOT has the potential to improve physical performance in aging adults. The enhancements observed ...

Effects of mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy for running ...

This study investigated the effects of VO2, heart rate (HR), and exercise time at AT, RCP, and PEAK during cardiopulmonary exercise testing after Mild HBO.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy: Evidence-based uses and ...

This therapy is FDA-approved to treat a variety of serious conditions, but claims of HBOT for treating some other conditions are unfounded.

Effects of high-intensity interval training with hyperbaric oxygen

There was no significant effect of training or HBO2 exposure on systolic blood pressure (SBP) or heart rate (HR) at rest and at peak exercise.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy

Risks. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is generally a safe procedure. Most complications are mild and do not last. Serious complications are rare.

Complications of Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment

HBOT cautions. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is not safe for everyone. In general, you shouldn't get HBOT if you: Have certain types of lung diseases because of ...

Does hyperbaric oxygen therapy chambers safe for the ...

We observed a statistically significant decrease in SDNN and a significant increase in blood pressure during exposure to hyperbaric chamber ...