What Researchers Did
Chinese researchers ran a randomized crossover trial with 14 healthy young men to test whether a single 60-minute mild HBOT session (1.3 ATA, 100% oxygen) improved exercise performance, heart function, or lung function.
What They Found
HBOT significantly reduced resting heart rate from 63.6 to 58.8 bpm (a 7.2% decrease, p = 0.009) and improved heart rate variability markers of parasympathetic (rest-and-recovery) activity. However, HBOT did not significantly improve aerobic endurance capacity (VO₂ peak), time to exhaustion, or pulmonary function in a single session. The improvements were in recovery-related heart rate measures only.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
For Canadians interested in HBOT for athletic recovery or cardiovascular health, a single mild-pressure session appears to calm the nervous system and lower resting heart rate, but does not directly boost endurance. Multiple sessions or combining HBOT with exercise training may be needed for performance benefits.
Canadian Relevance
No direct Canadian connection identified.
Study Limitations
The study used only 14 healthy young men and tested only a single HBOT session, so results cannot be generalized to patients with heart or lung conditions or to longer treatment protocols.