Does Hyperbaric Oxygenation Improve Athletic Performance?

Abstract

Šet, V, and Lenasi, H. Does hyperbaric oxygenation improve athletic performance? J Strength Cond Res 37(2): 482–493, 2023—Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) has been suggested to affect oxygen availability and performance, and delay the onset of fatigue. Many mechanisms of HBO-induced alterations have been proposed, including modulation of various metabolic pathways, and the antioxidant defense mechanisms. As exercise per se affects similar aspects, it is tempting to speculate that simultaneous application of both, exercise and HBO might have synergistic effects. The aim of this review was to search through the currently available literature and evaluate the effect of acute exposure to HBO on exercise performance, potential effects of a combination of HBO and physical training, and to elucidate some possible mechanisms behind. We conducted searches in the PubMed and Scopus databases (search term: “hyperbaric” AND “oxygen” AND “exercise”) and in relevant hyperbaric textbook and assessed potentially eligible full texts for details. Meta-analysis could not be performed because of a few available and rather heterogeneous studies. Twenty-seven studies were included in the final assessment (14 on exercise during HBO, 9 on exercise following HBO, 4 on applying HBO during recovery and rest between exercise bouts, and 3 on a combination of HBO and training). The results are contradictory, showing either positive or none ergogenic effects. There is some risk of bias and placebo effect. Discrepant findings of the available studies might partly be explained by different protocols applied, both regarding HBO and exercise intensity and regimen. There is a need for further research with well-designed trials to evaluate the effect of HBO on performance before recommending it to routine use in athletes.