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

Part of paid clinical trials in Austin, Texas.

Sponsor
University of Texas at Austin
Study ID
NCT07361861
Status
Recruiting
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Conditions

  • Cardiovascular Fitness
  • Inflammation

Eligibility Criteria

Sex
ALL
Age
30 Years - 60 Years
Healthy Volunteers
Accepted

Interventions

  • Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy — DEVICE
    24 Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, each lasting 100 minutes, 3 times a week for 8 weeks.

Study Details

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 Dates

Start date
Jan 31, 2026
Status verified
Jan 2026
Primary completion
May 31, 2026
Completion
Jul 31, 2026

Study Design

Enrollment
30 participants (estimated)
Allocation
NA
Intervention model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary purpose
OTHER

Arms

  • Experimental: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy 1.75 atmospheres
    Will complete 24 HBOT sessions, each lasting 100 minutes, over 8 weeks.

Primary Outcome Measure

Cytokine levels [ Time Frame: From enrollment to 4 weeks after the end of treatment (12 weeks after first treatment). ]

Central Contacts

Locations (2)

FacilityCityStateZIPSite coordinators
ATX HyperbaricsAustinTexas78746
Emma Lehrer
Westlake Medical ArtsAustinTexas78746-

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