Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a treatment that requires individuals to inhale pure oxygen within a pressurized room or chamber. This is designed to address conditions like decompression sickness, carbon monoxide poisoning, and wounds that do not heal.
Now, the hype of HBOT has become common among athletes due to its positive effects on performance. Want to know how? This guide is for you.
Why Athletes Use HBOT?
Faster Recovery
Athletes utilize hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) recovery after strenuous physical activity or injuries. A significant advantage of HBOT is its capacity to increase the supply of oxygen to the body's tissues.
The heightened pressure inside the chamber facilitates the dissolution of oxygen into the blood plasma, ensuring that poorly oxygenated areas receive sufficient oxygen. This is how a patient feels better in less time after any injury.
A study conducted in 2019 demonstrated that HBOT notably decreased muscle enzyme levels and alleviated pain intensity, presenting valuable advantages for competitive athletes.
Accelerated Healing from Injury
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) significantly minimizes downtime for athletes, thereby reducing the financial burden associated with lost playing time.
The therapy's anti-inflammatory properties not only lower the risk of injury but also accelerate recovery healing and reduce inflammation, HBOT enables athletes to resume their sport in a shorter period, with minimal restrictions.
The increased oxygenation provided by HBOT promotes tissue repair, a critical factor in injury recovery. Clinical trials have demonstrated that HBOT leads to faster symptom improvement in athletes.
HBOT further stimulates the growth of new blood vessels in damaged areas, enhancing the delivery of oxygen and essential nutrients to tissues, which in turn, accelerates the healing process.
Better Athletic Performance
HBOT also helps with athletic performance. By increasing oxygen delivery to tissues, HBOT improves aerobic capacity and endurance, helping athletes perform better during training and competitions.
A 2022 study evaluated the effects of HBOT on mitochondrial respiration and physical performance in middle-aged athletes. It reveals enhanced physical performance, including maximal oxygen capacity.
Reducing Negative Effects of Chronic Cytokine
Persistent low-grade inflammation due to high levels of cytokines from rigorous exercise can negatively impact muscle function, increase the likelihood of injuries, hinder recovery, and be associated with health issues like heart disease, insulin resistance, and chronic pain.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) can help alleviate these consequences. HBOT works by reducing inflammation and promoting tissue renewal, counteracting the adverse effects of elevated cytokine levels.
Research indicates that HBOT can decrease inflammation and promote muscle repair following injuries, highlighting its potential beneficial role for athletes dealing with chronic cytokine elevation.
Decreased Inflammation
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has demonstrated the potential to prevent injuries by minimizing inflammation and fostering the repair of damaged tissues.
Research published in Scientific Reports revealed that HBOT helped alleviate inflammation and enhance muscle recovery in animals.
Although further studies are required to validate these results in humans, the findings suggest that HBOT may be a valuable asset for athletes seeking to accelerate their recovery and mitigate the risk of injury.
Improved Mitochondrial Function
Mitochondria, the powerhouses of cells, are essential for muscle contraction and aerobic metabolism.
Research shows HBOT can improve mitochondrial function in athletes. HBOT increases the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in mitochondria, stimulating mitochondrial biogenesis. This leads to improved mitochondrial function and increased energy production in cells, enhancing athletic performance.
HBOT Treatment For Athletes at Lakeshore Hyperbaric Center Chicago
At Lakeshore Hyperbaric Center Chicago, we treat a diverse range of athletes, from professionals to amateurs. Our clients include baseball players, tennis athletes, marathon runners, and football players, as well as high school and college athletes. Athletes seek HBOT for various reasons, from recovering from concussions or injuries to enhancing performance. For more information, reach out to our healthcare team.
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