The science
The research and mechanics behind HBOT.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy uses increased atmospheric pressure and oxygen concentration in a controlled chamber environment. Here is a plain-language overview of the principles behind it.
Oxygen delivery
At higher pressure, more oxygen can dissolve into plasma, the liquid portion of blood. This is a foundational principle of hyperbaric medicine.
Controlled pressure
Compression and decompression are gradual and controlled. Protocols should always be tailored by qualified providers.
Research context
HBOT has been studied across several clinical and performance-adjacent areas. Findings vary by population, pressure, protocol, and intended use.
The chamber environment
Two laws that help explain the experience.
Boyle’s Law
As pressure increases, gas volume decreases. That relationship is why pressure changes must be handled slowly and deliberately.
Henry’s Law
The amount of gas dissolved in liquid rises with its pressure. In HBOT, this helps explain increased dissolved oxygen in plasma.
Your session
What happens during a session?
The team reviews your visit and relevant safety considerations.
Pressure increases gradually; many people notice a feeling similar to changing altitude.
You rest comfortably while the chamber follows the selected protocol.
Pressure returns gradually to normal before you exit.
Explore the original guide
The science, in more detail.
The original Science page becomes an integrated guide here, keeping its useful questions, pressure context, history, benefits and research in the same visual language as the page above.
What does hyperbaric oxygen therapy actually do?
Increased pressure and oxygen levels allow blood to carry more dissolved oxygen than normal, reaching tissue that may be under-oxygenated.
How does it support recovery?
Oxygen is an essential component of the body’s normal repair processes. HBOT is commonly explored as part of a recovery routine after intense training or injury.
Is there research behind HBOT for performance?
HBOT has been studied for decades across recovery, endurance and oxygen delivery. Explore the Research tab for selected studies and context.
What role does HBOT play in longevity?
Improved oxygen delivery at the cellular level is being researched in relation to processes associated with long-term health and healthy aging.
What pressure and oxygen levels do you use?
Our hard-shell studio chambers operate from 1.3 to 2.0 ATA with dynamic pressure control and 90%+ oxygen purity.
Pressure range
1.3 to 2.0 ATA
Studio sessions use a controlled pressure range selected for the individual session. Compression and decompression are gradual, with a team member available throughout.
The experience
Equalization matters.
As pressure changes, you may notice ear fullness similar to an airplane descent. Swallowing, yawning or gently equalizing can help keep the experience comfortable.
British physician Nathaniel Henshaw builds an early pressurized chamber, the Domicilium.
Paul Bert publishes foundational work connecting pressure, gas behavior and physiology.
The U.S. Navy begins using hyperbaric oxygen for decompression sickness, one of the first modern clinical uses.
Dutch surgeon Ite Boerema performs open-heart surgery inside a hyperbaric chamber, helping establish modern hyperbaric medicine.
HBOT is used for FDA-cleared indications and is also researched across recovery, performance and longevity.
Recovery
Repair and resilience
HBOT is being studied across healing, inflammation and recovery contexts. Outcomes and suitability vary by individual and protocol.
Performance
Oxygen delivery
Researchers continue to examine how controlled oxygen exposure may support endurance, recovery between demanding sessions and functional performance.
Brain health
Cognitive research
Research has explored cerebral blood flow, attention and processing speed in specific clinical settings.
Longevity
Cellular context
Studies are investigating the role of oxygen exposure in biological processes associated with healthy aging. This research remains an evolving field.
Selected studies
Research using 2.0 ATA protocols.
Diabetic foot ulcer healing
Duzgun et al., Journal of Foot & Ankle Surgery, 2008. Randomized controlled study at 2.0 ATA.
Read the studyPhysical performance in older adults
Hadanny et al., BMC Geriatrics, 2024. Randomized controlled study at 2.0 ATA.
Read the studyNeuroprotection in sub-acute TBI
Zhou et al., Neural Regeneration Research, 2016. Multiplace chamber study.
Read the studyConsciousness, cognition and prognosis after TBI
Chen et al., Frontiers in Neurology, 2022. Monoplace chamber protocol at 2.0 ATA.
Read the studyResearch & medical information
Clarity first.
This page is educational and does not replace medical advice. If you have a medical condition, questions about suitability, or a care plan, consult a qualified healthcare professional before beginning HBOT.
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