Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Lower-Extremity Soft-Tissue Sports Injuries

Abstract

Lower-extremity injuries have become increasingly common as sports performance demands have risen. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is one method used to return athletes to competition as quickly as possible, but it has received criticism and lacks support. This review examines the literature on hyperbaric oxygen therapy and soft-tissue sports injuries. In the various studies, the location of the injury seemed to influence the effectiveness of treatment. Injuries at areas of reduced perfusion such as muscle-tendon junctions and ligaments seemed to benefit more from hyperbaric oxygen treatment than injuries at the muscle belly. Differences in the magnitude of the injury and in the time between injury and treatment may also affect outcomes. The authors sought to explore these variables as they relate to soft-tissue sports injuries and to weigh the benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy against its potential risks and high cost. More randomized controlled clinical trials with larger sample sizes must be conducted before hyperbaric oxygen can be established as a safe adjunctive therapy for soft-tissue sports injuries.

Enhancement of satellite cell differentiation and functional recovery in injured skeletal muscle by hyperbaric oxygen treatment

“…The use of HBO treatments by elite athletes to accelerate recovery from tendon and muscle injuries began to gain popularity in the early 1980s (19). The application of HBO treatments for sports injuries has recently been suggested in the scientific literature as a therapy modality, i.e., a primary or an adjunct treatment (4,6,20,21). However, published studies on the effects of HBO in models of muscle injury are relatively scarce (2,3,5,13,23,29,30), and the results of studies that have investigated the recovery of functional capacity have been inconsistent.…”

Revisiting the role of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in knee injuries: Potential benefits and mechanisms

“…Regarding HBOT potential risks, this therapy has been shown to be extremely safe during the treatment of several pathologies (Heyboer et al, 2017; Kanhai & Losito, 2003; M. S. Leite et al, 2010; D. Zhao et al, 2017), including orthopedic conditions (Huang et al, 2006). Most complications are minor and reversible.…”

Alternative treatments for muscle injury: massage, cryotherapy, and hyperbaric oxygen

“…Hyperbaric oxygen therapy Bis the therapeutic administration of 100 % oxygen at environmental pressures greater than one atmosphere^ [27]. It has been suggested that hyperbaric oxygen therapy can be an effective treatment for muscle crush injuries, muscle contusions, and sports-related injuries [28,29]. The evidence for these benefits comes primarily from studies using animal models [30].…”