Aging often brings a decline in physical activity, a reality that many older adults face with concern. However, recent research shines a hopeful light on this issue. A new study published by BMC Geriatrics this month investigates the potential of intermittent hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) to enhance maximal physical performance and cardiac perfusion in sedentary older adults.
The Study: A Closer Look
Objective: The primary goal was to evaluate the effects of a specific HBOT protocol on the physical performance and cardiac health of adults over 64 years old.
Methodology: This randomized controlled clinical trial included 63 participants, divided into two groups: one receiving HBOT (30 participants) and a control group (33 participants). Over three months, the HBOT group underwent 60 sessions of HBOT, each lasting 90 minutes with periodic air breaks, breathing 100% oxygen at 2 absolute atmospheres (ATA).
Primary and secondary endpoints were established:
- Primary Endpoint: Maximal oxygen consumption (VO2Max) and VO2Max per kilogram (VO2Max/Kg), measured using an E100 cycle ergometer.
- Secondary Endpoints: Cardiac perfusion, evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and pulmonary function.
Key Findings: Improved Physical Performance
The results were promising:
- VO2Max/Kg: Participants in the HBOT group saw a significant improvement, with an average increase of 1.91 ml/kg/min. This improvement had a net effect size of 0.455 (p=0.0034), indicating a moderate yet statistically significant impact.
- Oxygen Consumption at the First Ventilatory Threshold (VO2VT1): There was a notable increase of 160.03 ml/min (p<0.001), with a net effect size of 0.617, highlighting a significant improvement in the body’s ability to use oxygen during exercise.
Enhanced Cardiac Health
One of the most remarkable outcomes of the study was the improvement in cardiac perfusion:
- Myocardial Blood Flow (MBF): The HBOT group experienced a significant increase in MBF, with a large net effect size of 0.797 (p=0.008).
- Myocardial Blood Volume (MBV): The increase in MBV was even more pronounced, with a net effect size of 0.896 (p=0.009).
Conclusion: A Breath of Fresh Air for Aging Adults
This study underscores the potential of HBOT in enhancing physical performance and cardiac health in older adults. The significant improvements in VO2Max, VO2VT1, MBF, and MBV suggest that HBOT could be a valuable intervention for mitigating age-related declines in physical activity and cardiovascular function.
Implications for the Future
The findings are a beacon of hope for those looking to maintain an active lifestyle as they age. By improving oxygen consumption and cardiac perfusion, HBOT can help older adults enjoy better physical performance and overall health. Future research could expand on these findings, exploring long-term benefits and the potential for HBOT to address other age-related health issues.
In a world where aging is often associated with decline, this study offers a breath of fresh air, suggesting that enhanced physical performance and cardiac health might just be an oxygen session away.
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Hyperbaric oxygen therapy improves physical performance in older adults (medicalxpress.com)