RCT Diving Hyperb Med 2025

Effect of normobaric and hyperbaric hyperoxia treatment on symptoms and cognitive capacities in Long COVID patients: a randomised placebo-controlled, prospective, double-blind trial

D'hoore L, Germonpré P, Rinia B, Caeyers L, Stevens N, Balestra C — Diving Hyperb Med, 2025

View Original on PubMed PMID 40544138

Tier 1, Curated

Manually reviewed and included in the Canada Hyperbarics research database.

Summary

What Researchers Did

Researchers ran a randomised controlled trial with 101 Long COVID patients, testing four different combinations of oxygen levels and chamber pressure across 10 sessions to see which, if any, improved symptoms.

What They Found

After treatment, there were no significant differences in quality of life scores, 6-minute walking test results, or five cognitive test scores between any of the four groups, including the placebo group breathing regular air at normal pressure. Some patients in the placebo group reported feeling better, but this was not confirmed by objective tests. No subgroup of patients responded better to any treatment.

Canadian Relevance

No direct Canadian connection identified. Long COVID is not an OHIP-covered indication for HBOT.

Study Limitations

The study used only 10 sessions, which is fewer than protocols used in some positive Long COVID studies, and may not reflect longer treatment courses.

This plain-language summary is generated with AI assistance and checked against the source abstract before publication. See our editorial policy.

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Study Details

Study Type	RCT
Category	Neurological
Source	Pubmed
PubMed ID	40544138
Year Published	2025
Journal	Diving Hyperb Med
MeSH Terms	Humans; Hyperbaric Oxygenation; Male; Female; COVID-19; Middle Aged; Prospective Studies; Double-Blind Method; Quality of Life; Adult; Cognition; Aged; Treatment Outcome; Walk Test; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome

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Disclaimer: This study summary is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. The information presented reflects the findings of the original research authors and may not represent the views of Canada Hyperbarics. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making treatment decisions.

Last reviewed: March 19, 2026 | Reviewed by: Canada Hyperbarics Editorial Team | Editorial process | Research sources | Counts & methodology