What Researchers Did
Researchers reviewed the potential benefits and risks of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) treatment as an adjuvant therapy for athletes.
What They Found
They found that hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) treatment can reduce post-injury swelling, although to a lesser extent in humans compared to animals. HBO was also reported to improve tissue remodeling in injuries involving bones, muscles, and ligaments, and effectively increased recovery from fatigue, as observed at the Nagano Winter Olympics.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian athletes recovering from injuries or experiencing physiological fatigue might potentially benefit from hyperbaric oxygen therapy to aid recovery. However, they should be aware of the potential risks, such as oxidative damage to DNA, and discuss safer administration with their medical team.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection.
Study Limitations
The study highlights that HBO treatment carries risks, including oxidative damage to DNA, and requires further research for widespread and tailored application.