Evaluating Whether Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Can Improve VO₂-Max and Reduce Inflammation Markers in Healthy Adults Ages 30-60.

Recruiting now · Not applicable

Conditions studied: Cardiovascular Fitness, Inflammation

In brief

The purpose of this study is to determine whether hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) at 1.75 atmospheres of pressure (ATA) improves cardiovascular fitness (VO₂ max) and reduces inflammation in healthy adults. HBOT involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber and is considered investigational for this use. Recent research has shown that different HBOT pressures can have different effects on inflammation. Specifically, some inflammatory cytokines (measurable markers of inflammation in the body) appear to decrease at low pressures like 1.3 ATA, while a different set of cytokines responds better at higher pressures, such as 2.0 ATA. Cytokines are small proteins that play a crucial role in cell signaling, particularly within the immune system. They help regulate inflammation, infection response, and overall immune function. While some cytokines promote inflammation to fight off threats, others help reduce inflammation when it's no longer needed. An imbalance in cytokines - especially excessive inflammatory cytokines - can contribute to chronic inflammation, cardiovascular disease, and other health issues. In this study, we are testing an intermediate pressure - 1.75 ATA - to see if we can target both sets of cytokines at once. If successful, this approach could offer broader anti-inflammatory benefits. We are also interested in how this intermediate pressure may improve VO₂ max, a key indicator of cardiovascular fitness. Since VO₂ max is strongly linked to heart health and overall longevity, finding a safe and effective way to improve it has meaningful implications not just for athletes, but for anyone looking to enhance their fitness and well-being.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT07361861

Run by

University of Texas at Austin

People needed

30

Starts

2026-01-01

Expected to finish

2026-07-01

Last updated by the study team

2026-01-23

Who can join

Age: 30 and older, up to 60. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: accepted.

You may qualify if…

• physically active individuals with no history of chronic illness or HBOT exposure within the last three months.

You may not qualify if…

• individuals with contraindications to HBOT, including lung diseases or claustrophobia.

Where it is running

• ATX Hyperbarics — Austin, Texas, United States (enrolling)
• Westlake Medical Arts — Austin, Texas, United States

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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