What Researchers Did
Researchers conducted a scoping review of 19 animal studies examining how HBOT affects skeletal muscle recovery after injuries caused by tourniquet, toxic injections (bupivacaine or cardiotoxin), or crush trauma.
What They Found
Overall, HBOT promoted and accelerated muscle regeneration in myotoxic and crush injury models, with benefits that appeared to persist after treatment ended. In tourniquet models, HBOT counteracted metabolic damage but had variable effects on oxidative stress. Importantly, more HBOT sessions did not always produce better outcomes, and starting treatment early was found to be important.
Canadian Relevance
No direct Canadian connection identified. Crush injury is not a standard OHIP-covered indication for HBOT in Ontario.
Study Limitations
All 19 studies used animal models, and female animals were rarely included, limiting how broadly the findings can be applied to humans or to women specifically.