Recent study indicates that hyperbaric oxygen therapy protocol can significantly enhance physical performance and cardiac function.
A new study published in Geriatrics by the Sagol Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Research at Shamir Medical Center, in collaboration with Tel Aviv University, has provided compelling evidence that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) can enhance physical performance in aging adults. This randomized controlled trial evaluated 63 sedentary adults aged 65 and older, comparing the effects of a specific HBOT protocol with a control group over three months. The findings demonstrated notable improvements in various physical and cardiac parameters, suggesting a potential intervention to counteract age-related physical decline [1].
Longevity.Technology: HBOT is a medical treatment in which patients breathe 100% oxygen at increased atmospheric pressures. This treatment is known to elevate oxygen levels in the blood and tissues, which can have therapeutic effects. The unique protocol employed in this study, referred to as the hyperoxic-hypoxic paradox, involves intermittent exposure to high oxygen levels, which is hypothesized to induce regenerative effects. Previous studies have shown that HBOT can extend telomeres and reduce immunosenescence, thereby contributing to increased lifespan and healthspan. This study further explores these benefits by focusing on physical performance and cardiac function.
The study involved a rigorous regimen of 60 HBOT sessions over 12 weeks. Participants received treatment daily, with each session lasting 90 minutes at 2 absolute atmospheres (ATA) of pressure. Oxygen was administered in cycles, with five-minute air breaks every 20 minutes. The primary endpoints measured were maximal oxygen consumption (VO2Max) and VO2Max per kilogram of body weight, with secondary endpoints including cardiac perfusion, assessed via advanced cardiac MRI techniques.
The results spoke for themselves. Participants in the HBOT group showed significant improvements in VO2Max, with an average increase of 1.91 ml/kg/min, a net effect size of 0.455 (p = 0.0034). This measure, indicative of the body’s ability to use oxygen during peak physical exertion, is crucial for endurance and overall physical fitness. Additionally, oxygen consumption at the first ventilatory threshold (VO2VT1) – the point at which breathing becomes disproportionately laborious – also showed substantial enhancement, with a net effect size of 0.617 (p < 0.001) [1].
Beyond these primary metrics, the study revealed significant increases in both myocardial blood flow (MBF) and myocardial blood volume (MBV), suggesting improved cardiac perfusion. The net effect size for MBF was 0.797 (p = 0.008), while MBV demonstrated an even more pronounced increase, with a net effect size of 0.896 (p = 0.009) [1]. These findings imply that HBOT not only enhances physical capabilities but also positively influences heart function, potentially mitigating some risks associated with cardiovascular diseases in older adults.
Dr Amir Hadanny, Chief Medical Officer at Aviv Scientific and principal investigator at the Sagol Center, spoke to the broader implications of these results: “The correlation between physical performance improvement and cardiac perfusion increase suggests the mechanism of action. We utilized the same HBOT protocol that improved cognitive function, to elevate physical performance. With this, we have the potential to change the trajectory of the normal aging process.”
This study builds upon earlier research conducted by the same team, which demonstrated that HBOT could counteract cognitive decline [2] and promote cellular regeneration. The previous studies highlighted the therapy’s capacity to lengthen telomeres and reduce cellular aging markers [3], positioning HBOT as a multifaceted approach to mitigating the effects of aging.
Aviv Clinics is at the forefront of HBOT therapy, integrating it with cognitive and physical training, as well as dietary coaching. The clinic leverages state-of-the-art facilities, including multiplace chambers that provide a safe and comfortable environment for treatments; this holistic approach is designed to enhance not only physical and neurological health but also overall quality of life.
This study provides robust evidence supporting the efficacy of HBOT in enhancing physical performance and cardiac function in older adults, and the improvements observed in key physiological metrics demonstrate the potential of HBOT as a therapeutic tool in the context of aging. As Dr Hadanny noted, the positive outcomes observed in both cognitive and physical domains suggest that HBOT could play a crucial role in altering the aging trajectory, offering a promising avenue for extending both healthspan and lifespan, and it would be good to see larger trials corroborating these results.
READ MORE: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy – a patient’s perspective
[1] https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12877-024-05146-3
[2] https://www.aging-us.com/article/103571/text
[3] https://www.aging-us.com/article/202188/text
