Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Sports Musculoskeletal Injuries

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Sports Musculoskeletal Injuries

NAVID MOGHADAM¹, MICHINARI HIEDA^2,3, LINDSAY RAMEY³, BENJAMIN D. LEVINE^2,3, and RENIE GUILLIOD^2,3

¹Sports Medicine Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IRAN;

²Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine, Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas, Dallas, TX; and

³The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX

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This study reviews hyperbaric oxygen therapy's effectiveness for sports musculoskeletal injuries, highlighting mechanisms, benefits, and research gaps. ​

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) ​

• HBOT involves administering 100% oxygen in a pressurized chamber, typically at 2.0 to 2.8 ATA. ​
• Approved for 14 medical indications by the Undersea Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS), including carbon monoxide poisoning and nonhealing ulcers. ​
• Increasing interest in HBOT for sports injuries due to potential faster recovery times. ​

Mechanisms and Physiological Effects

• Enhances oxygen delivery, reduces edema, and improves neutrophil function. ​
• Induces neovascularization and collagen production, aiding muscle recovery. ​
• Produces free radicals for cell signaling, activating growth factors and stem cells.

Adverse Effects

• Generally safe, with mild and reversible side effects.
• Main concerns include barotrauma and oxygen toxicity, which can lead to lung and central nervous system issues. ​

HBOT for Sports Musculoskeletal Injuries ​

• Popular among athletes for potential accelerated recovery, but evidence is limited.
• Previous reviews have not updated since 2005, indicating a need for more research.

Muscle Injury and HBOT ​

• Muscle strains are common injuries, often leading to significant time lost in sports. ​
• Limited clinical studies suggest HBOT may reduce recovery time and improve outcomes for delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS). ​

Summary of Clinical Trials

• Various studies show mixed results on HBOT's effectiveness for sports injuries, with some indicating reduced pain and improved recovery. ​
• Notable studies include Soolsma (1996) and Borromeo (1997), which reported positive outcomes in edema reduction and functional recovery.

Conclusion

• HBOT shows promise in enhancing recovery from musculoskeletal injuries.