Hyperbaric chamber in elite sport: recovery and optimized performance

• Accelerated muscle recovery: reduces inflammation and promotes the elimination of lactic acid, allowing for faster recovery after intense efforts.
• Optimizing physical performance: improves cellular oxygenation, increasing aerobic resistance and effort capacity.
• Injury prevention and treatment: It promotes tissue regeneration, reducing downtime due to muscle, tendon and joint injuries.
• Fatigue reduction: Minimizes oxidative stress in the body, allowing for greater recovery capacity between intensive training sessions.
• Increased resistance and adaptation to effort: improves the body's ability to use oxygen efficiently, optimizing performance in high-demand sports.

The hyperbaric chamber allows athletes to inhale pure oxygen in a high-pressure environment, increasing the amount of dissolved oxygen in the blood plasma. This process generates a series of positive effects at the physiological level:

• Increased oxygen transport: Increased oxygen availability improves mitochondrial function and the production of ATP, the main source of cellular energy.
• Stimulates tissue regeneration: Accelerates the repair of damaged muscles and tendons, reducing recovery time.
• Reducing inflammation: regulates the inflammatory response in damaged tissues, allowing for more efficient recovery.
• Elimination of toxins and metabolic waste: contributes to cleansing the body after physical activity, reducing accumulated fatigue.

The use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been adopted by athletes from different disciplines due to its transversal benefits:

• Football and team sports: helps recovery after intense matches and reduces the risk of muscle injuries.
• Athletics and cycling: improves aerobic endurance and accelerates recovery after prolonged efforts.
• Contact and combat sports: It promotes recovery from trauma and bruises, reducing downtime.
• Swimming and water sports: improves lung capacity and optimizes oxygenation in endurance disciplines.

Hyperbaric chamber treatment in athletes usually follows a specific protocol, adapted to individual needs:

1. Initial assessment: analysis of the athlete's physical condition and determination of therapeutic objectives.
2. Scheduled sessions: Each session lasts between 60 and 90 minutes, with controlled pressure to optimize oxygen absorption.
3. Frequency: A frequency of 3 to 5 sessions per week is recommended in phases of intensive recovery and periodic maintenance depending on the sports load.
4. Follow-up: monitoring the body's response and adjusting the treatment according to the results obtained.

The use of the hyperbaric chamber is safe when performed under specialized medical supervision. However, there are some contraindications:

• Untreated pneumothorax or history of collapsed lung.
• Acute respiratory infections or untreated ear problems.
• Severe claustrophobia that prevents tolerance to therapy.

Athletes must undergo a pre-assessment to ensure they meet the requirements for treatment.

Its ability to increase cellular oxygenation and optimize tissue regeneration makes it ideal for any athlete looking to maximize their potential.

At Dr. María Dolores Antón's clinic, specialized in regenerative medicine and hyperbaric medicine, we offer personalized treatments with advanced technology and professional supervision. If you are an elite athlete and want to improve your performance and recovery, consult with our specialists and discover the benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy.