Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) — Exercise & Movement
Breathing 100% oxygen at elevated atmospheric pressure to enhance tissue oxygenation, reduce inflammation, and potentially reverse biological aging markers.
Overview
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) involves breathing 100% oxygen at 1.5-3.0 atmospheres absolute (ATA) pressure in a sealed chamber for 60-90 minutes. HBOT is FDA-approved for 14 conditions including decompression sickness, carbon monoxide poisoning, and diabetic wound healing. A 2020 Aging Cell study from Tel Aviv University (Efrati et al.) demonstrated that 60 HBOT sessions (90 min at 2 ATA, 5x/week for 12 weeks) increased telomere length by 20-38% and reduced senescent cell populations by 10-37% in healthy adults aged 64+. This was the first intervention shown to reverse these biological aging markers in humans. The intermittent hyperoxia-hypoxia cycling (during air breaks) is believed to trigger the hormetic response.
Indications
- FDA-approved wound healing (diabetic ulcers, radiation injury)
- Telomere length increase (Efrati protocol)
- Senescent cell reduction
- Traumatic brain injury recovery (off-label)
- Post-surgical healing enhancement
- Cognitive function improvement in aging
Mechanism of Action
Alternating between 100% O2 and room air creates relative hypoxia that mimics intermittent hypoxic training, activating HIF-1α during air breaks
Dosing
| Compound | Dose | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| HBOT (Efrati Aging Protocol) | 90 min at 2.0 ATA, 100% O2 | 5x/week for 12 weeks (60 sessions) | Includes air breaks: 5 min room air every 20 min of O2 |
| HBOT (Standard Clinical) | 60-90 min at 1.5-2.4 ATA | 20-40 sessions | FDA-approved indications; varies by condition |
Evidence Grade
GRADE C
Safety & Contraindications
- Middle ear barotrauma is the most common side effect (equalization required)
- Oxygen toxicity seizures possible at pressures > 2.4 ATA or prolonged sessions
- Claustrophobia may limit tolerance of monoplace chambers
- Fire risk: 100% oxygen environment requires strict safety protocols
- Contraindicated with untreated pneumothorax or certain chemotherapy agents (bleomycin)
- Expensive: $100-300+ per session; aging protocols require 40-60 sessions