Authors' objectives: Identify and summarize evidence on hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) and its impact on acute injury recovery and play performance among professional, Olympic, and Division 1 collegiate athletes.

Authors' results and conclusions: EVIDENCE SUMMARY  No reviews were identified that evaluated hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) for injury recovery among elite athletes; however, two reviews were included that may be otherwise informative. One review and meta-analysis analyzed the effects of pre, post, and intra-exercise HBOT on performance and recovery. HBOT before or after exercise had no significant effect on performance or recovery, but HBOT during exercise may improve muscle endurance performance. Further empirical studies are needed to confirm possible benefits. One review studied the effects of HBOT on exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) and found mixed evidence. Early and frequent treatments seem to be important factors when it comes to the success of HBOT.  Three primary studies were included: two retrospective studies (from Japan) and one randomized controlled trial (RCT) (from Taiwan). One single-arm retrospective study investigated the short-term effects of HBOT on pre-post edema and pain in athletes with an ankle sprain in the acute phase, and the other examined the effects of HBOT compared to no HBOT on recovery acceleration in professional or semi-professional rugby players with grade 2 medial collateral ligament injury of the knee. Both studies reported reductions in pain scores, and a reduction in edema and an accelerated return to play, respectively. However, issues with confounding limit the reliability of the results. The RCT evaluated the efficacy of HBOT 2.5 ATA compared to control (1.3 ATA) for exercise-related muscular injury among professional and elite baseball players. The HBOT group showed significant reductions in select serum levels, pain intensity, and pain interference.  Evidence is limited to evaluate the effectiveness of HBOT for injury recovery among elite athletes. More controlled trials with larger sample sizes are needed to explore potential benefits, harms, and optimal treatment protocols.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2024

URL for published report: https://www.med.upenn.edu/CEP/external-request-form.html

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Rapid Review

Country: United States

Organisation Name: Penn Medicine Center for Evidence-based Practice

Contact Address: Penn Medicine Center for Evidence-based Practice, University of Pennsylvania Health System, 3600 Civic Center Blvd, 3rd Floor West, Philadelphia PA 19104

Contact Name: Nikhil Mull

Contact Email: cep@pennmedicine.upenn.edu

Copyright: <p>Center for Evidence-based Practice (CEP)</p>