Do Hyperbaric Chambers Work?

Aging: Turning Back the Biological Clock

Our research expands on what it could mean to age with grace. Leveraging our unique, advanced HBOT protocol, the older adult participants in these studies experienced a powerful boost in blood flow to the brain, a reduction in harmful proteins and system inflammation, and, most importantly, a slowing of cellular aging by lengthening telomeres and reducing the number of senescent cells—two key biomarkers of aging. 

The increase in blood flow to and through the brain led to improvements in cognitive abilities, including memory, attention, and information processing speed. The unique HBOT protocol also positively affected the visual appearance of aging by remarkably increasing collagen density and skin firmness and elasticity. 

Read the full Aging Research Summary

Stroke: Helping to Reawaken the Brain

Even years after a stroke, there is hope for improvement. Published research by the scientific team demonstrates the potential benefits of the Aviv HBOT protocol for neurological improvements in post-stroke patients—regardless of how long ago the stroke occurred. 

This is because HBOT activates neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to reorganize and create new connections. Using our advanced hyperbaric oxygen therapy for stroke survivors, patients showed significant improvements in quality of life and their ability to complete activities of daily living. Improvements were also seen in motor skills, and cognitive functions including memory, attention, and executive function. 

Importantly, these stroke success stories using hyperbaric treatment occurred for patients who had experienced strokes up to 15 years prior, signaling new hope for those who had been told their stroke recovery had plateaued. 

Read the full Stroke Research Summary

Long COVID: Redefining Recovery

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the world grappled with the virus’s long-term effects. Our research presents HBOT as a promising treatment for those living with long-term COVID-19. 

More than one hyperbaric oxygen therapy long COVID study published by the scientific team found significant improvements in brain function and structure in participants after completing treatment. Long COVID patients saw a notable increase in cognitive function, energy levels, and sleep quality, while also reducing pain and psychological symptoms. HBOT also showed potential in promoting cardiac recovery.

A follow-up study conducted over a year later found that these improvements persisted long-term, offering hope for sustained healing. 

Read the full Long Covid Research Summary

Concussion: Treating the Lasting Effects of TBI

For those stuck in the fog of traumatic brain injuries or post-concussion syndrome, the research conducted by our scientific leadership reveals that real, measurable improvements in cognitive function are possible even years after the initial injury. 

Studies involving both adults and children who have experienced traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) demonstrate that HBOT can trigger neuroplasticity, encourage the formation of new blood vessels and neurons in the brain, and bolster cognitive abilities. These improvements in memory, attention, and executive functioning contributed to a better quality of life for participants. 

Brain scans showed heightened cerebral blood flow and regeneration of nerve fibers—effectively demonstrating the potential for HBOT to repair chronically damaged brain functions. 

Read the full Concussion Research Summary

PTSD: Recovering from Traumatic Stress

Experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event can not only cause emotional damage, it can also cause physiological damage to the brain, altering how it functions. Because standard treatments, including psychotherapy and medication, have limited success, our scientific leadership team has investigated the potential for HBOT to produce improvements in those suffering from treatment-resistant PTSD. Their studies reveal measurable improvements in both symptoms and brain physiology after the Aviv HBOT protocol.

In randomized, controlled studies of combat veterans, the HBOT protocol produced significant reductions in PTSD severity, depression and anxiety, as well as improved social functioning and reduced medication reliance. Neuroimaging indicated increased activity, improved structure and connectivity in areas of the brain linked to emotion, perception, behavioral processing and self-awareness.

The research team also noted similar effects in women who suffered from co-occurring PTSD and fibromyalgia stemming from childhood sexual abuse. In these studies, the HBOT protocol outperformed treatment with current medications and psychotherapy alone.

Read the full PTSD Research Summary