Hyperbaric oxygen therapy

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a type of supplemental oxygen that is delivered under a pressure greater than 1 atm (101.325 kPa). This therapy results in delivery of much needed oxygen to hypoxic tissue. The hyperoxic state can also help the body to kill certain types of bacteria. HBOT also promotes neovascularization (growth of new blood vessels).

Notable studies

 * 2013,


 * Fukuda criteria


 * 2003, Hyperbaric Therapy in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome"'Abstract - The aim of this study was to determine if hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT) could be used as adjunctive therapy and if HBOT could increase the quality of life in such a way that the functional status would improve in patients with an infection. A randomized, controlled trial was conducted on 15 Mycoplasma sp. infected CFS (CDC 1994) patients and 14 CFS (CDC 1994) patients with no evidence of a Mycoplasma infection were enrolled in a convenience randomization sample from our referral clinic. No statistical differences were found by use of univariate repeated measures although Bodily Pain as measured by the SF-36 seems to decrease after hyperbaric therapy (Greenhouse-Geisser: p = .010). Trends were found using paired t-testing for Mycoplasma infected CFS patients. The general perceived fatigue seemed to decrease after hyperbaric therapy (General Fatigue: p = .06). Directly after one week of hyperbaric therapy general fatigue improved (p = .03) but there was a reduction of activity (reduced activity: p = .05) and general perceived health (general health: p = .04). One month later the physical role increased (Role-Physical: p = .07). Although more data is required to make firm conclusions, trends were found. Reduced fatigue, increased levels of activity and an improved reaction time improved significantly their quality of life and therefore, enhanced also their functional status and thus could be used as an adjunctive therapy.'"


 * Fukuda criteria

Medical Journals
Women in Fibromyalgia hyperbaric oxygen therapy study had concussions. "Patients who had fibromyalgia in addition to their post-concussion symptoms had complete resolution of the symptoms,... " Due to this statement it is the opinion of some that this is in reality a study on concussions and not Fibromyalgia.

Media Coverage
Fibromyalgia Treatment with Hyperbaric Chamber Shows Promise EmpowHER - Michelle Blacsberg, RN - "Use of HBOT to treat those with fibromyalgia is not new. A 2004 study showed it did have success in a small study but they felt that HBOT was helpful to fibromyalgia patients due to increased oxygenated blood flow to tissues."

Learn more

 * 2016, Parliamentary Questions | hyperbaric oxygen chambers for people with fibromyalgia