Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment – Helpful or placebo?

Abstract

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy use has become common practice amongst certain athlete groups. Theoretically, the additional oxygen available from a hyperbaric oxygen treatment aids the body in healing and recovery, creating an optimal environment for the body to heal faster than it normally would. Debate remains as to whether a treatment in a mild hyperbaric oxygen unit (cheaper and portable) can have the same beneficial results of a treatment in a standard hyperbaric oxygen unit. The data needed to authenticate the benefits of mild hyperbaric oxygen use as compared to standard hyperbaric oxygen exists in the various settings that use this modality. The data needs to be collected, analyzed, and disseminated.