Oxygen and the Human Body
The body relies on oxygen to support normal cellular function, energy production, and tissue maintenance.
Inside almost every cell are structures called mitochondria, often referred to as the body’s “energy producers”. These use oxygen to help generate ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is the primary form of energy used by the body.
When oxygen availability is reduced, whether through physical stress, inflammation, injury, or reduced circulation, normal cellular processes may become less efficient.
What Happens During HBOT?
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) involves breathing oxygen in a pressurised environment.
The increased pressure allows a greater amount of oxygen to dissolve into the blood plasma, enabling oxygen to be transported throughout the body more efficiently.
Unlike normal oxygen delivery, which relies primarily on red blood cells, dissolved oxygen within the plasma can travel into areas where circulation may be reduced.
Cellular Energy Production
Oxygen plays an essential role in cellular energy production.
By increasing oxygen availability, HBOT may help support:
-
normal ATP production
-
tissue oxygenation
-
cellular metabolism
-
the body’s natural physiological processes
Research has also explored HBOT’s relationship with mitochondrial activity and cellular function.
Circulation and Tissue Oxygenation
Healthy circulation is important for transporting oxygen and nutrients throughout the body.
HBOT has been studied for its potential role in supporting oxygen delivery to tissues, particularly in areas where oxygen availability may be reduced.
​
Research has also investigated HBOT in relation to angiogenesis, the normal biological process involved in the formation of new blood vessels.
Inflammation and Recovery Processes
Inflammation is a natural part of the body’s protective response.
​
Research has explored HBOT’s effects on inflammatory pathways, tissue oxygenation, and recovery processes following physical stress or injury.
​
Studies have also investigated its relationship with markers associated with inflammation and oxidative stress.
Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Systems
The body naturally produces antioxidant enzymes to help manage oxidative stress generated through normal metabolism.
Research has explored how HBOT may influence endogenous antioxidant systems involved in cellular protection and oxidative balance.
​
This remains an active area of scientific investigation.
Areas Being Studied
Research into Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy continues across a wide range of medical and wellness fields.
Current areas of investigation include:
-
oxygen delivery and circulation
-
tissue physiology
-
cellular metabolism
-
inflammatory responses
-
recovery processes
-
neurological function
-
exercise recovery and performance
-
vascular health
​
Some studies have also explored HBOT in relation to regenerative medicine, mitochondrial function, and stem cell mobilisation.
Research in many of these areas is ongoing and continues to evolve.
Understanding Hyperbaric Chambers, Pressures & Protocols
Types of Hyperbaric Chambers
​
Hyperbaric chambers are designed to create an environment where atmospheric pressure can be increased while oxygen is delivered in a controlled setting.
​
There are several different types of chambers used across medical, clinical, sports recovery, and wellness environments. They tend to fall into 2 categories, soft shell chambers and hard shell chambers.
Soft-Shell Chambers
​
Soft shell chambers are usually mild hyperbaric chambers and operate at lower pressures than traditional medical hyperbaric systems. They’re usually monoplace chambers suitable for 1 person, however some can fit up to 2 people.
​
These are more commonly used in wellness, recovery, or supportive environments. These are portable systems and popular within home settings and usually range from 1.3 ATA to 1.49 ATA. Chambers above 1.5 ATA are classed as pressure vessels and as such require ASME PVHO certification, less than a handful of soft shell chambers in the world have these certifications, so be aware of soft shell chambers being sold online at 1.5 – 2ATA and always ask to see the certifications.
Hard-Shell Chambers
​
Hard-shell hyperbaric chambers are rigid pressure vessels designed to safely operate at higher atmospheric pressures and are used in medical, clinical, sports recovery, and wellness environments.
​
Hard-shell chambers can be monoplace or multiplace, accommodating multiple people simultaneously. Whilst the process is the same, supplementary oxygen is often delivered slightly differently, such as through BIBS Masks or an Oxygen Hood.
​
Hard-shell chambers tend to operate up to 2- 3 ATA, and as such should have ASME PVHO, this matters because it relates to its structural safety, pressure integrity, engineering design, materials testing and its long-term operation under pressure. Of equal importance, is that the person operating the chamber, is fully trained in how to use it, when to use it and more importantly, when not to use it.
Understanding Pressures
​
Hard-shell and soft-shell chambers are designed for different environments and applications. Higher pressure does not automatically mean “better” for every individual or every situation, in fact, in some circumstances, mild hyperbaric can be the better option, protocols can vary significantly depending on:
-
chamber design
-
oxygen concentration
-
supervision
-
intended use
The most appropriate system should always be determined based on the individual setting and professional guidance.
Research References
Oxygen Delivery & Cellular Function
​
Research has explored HBOT’s relationship with mitochondrial respiration and cellular energy production.
Published in Sports Medicine - Open (2022)
Circulation & Angiogenesis
​
HBOT has been studied in relation to angiogenesis, the normal physiological process involved in blood vessel formation
“Hyperbaric Oxygen Effects on Angiogenesis”
Published in National Center for Biotechnology Information StatPearls
Research has explored HBOT’s relationship with tissue oxygenation and vascular responses involved in wound physiology
“In vivo effect of hyperbaric oxygen on wound angiogenesis and epithelialization”
Published in Wound Repair and Regeneration
Tissue Oxygenation & Blood Flow
Some studies have investigated HBOT’s relationship with circulation, vascular biomarkers, and tissue oxygenation.
Published in Journal of Clinical Medicine