Can Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Improve VO₂ Max?

Introduction

VO₂ max — the maximum amount of oxygen the body can use during intense exercise — is a gold-standard measure of cardiovascular fitness. The higher the VO₂ max, the more efficiently muscles can use oxygen, and the better endurance performance becomes. Traditionally, VO₂ max is improved through aerobic training at high intensities. However, research shows hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) may also play a role by enhancing oxygen delivery, stimulating new blood vessel growth, and accelerating recovery between training sessions.

What Is VO₂ Max?

VO₂ max refers to the maximum rate at which oxygen can be taken in, transported, and used by the body during exercise. Higher VO₂ max = improved endurance and performance in activities like running, cycling, and swimming. VO₂ max is influenced by genetics, age, training, and recovery practices.

How HBOT May Improve VO₂ Max

1. Enhanced Oxygen Uptake: HBOT increases the amount of dissolved oxygen in blood plasma, making more oxygen available for working muscles.
2. Angiogenesis (New Blood Vessels): Repeated HBOT sessions stimulate the growth of new capillaries, improving long-term oxygen delivery to muscle tissues.
3. Mitochondrial Efficiency: HBOT boosts mitochondrial function, meaning cells produce energy (ATP) more efficiently.
4. Faster Recovery Between Training Sessions: By reducing inflammation
   and oxidative stress, HBOT allows athletes to train more consistently,  indirectly raising VO₂ max over time. 

Research Evidence

Improved VO₂ Max in Athletes: A study in Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine (Shiva et al., 2016) showed a significant increase in VO₂ max in endurance-trained athletes after HBOT compared to controls. Another study (Turocy et al., J Strength Cond Res, 2018) found that HBOT enhanced time-to-exhaustion and oxygen utilization in cyclists. Mitochondrial Benefits: Animal studies have shown HBOT increases mitochondrial density and function, critical for VO₂ max improvement (Efrati et al., 2015). Capillary Growth: Research demonstrates HBOT stimulates angiogenesis, leading to improved oxygen delivery capacity — a core factor in VO₂ max performance.

Athletes and VO₂ Max

Professional and Olympic athletes have used HBOT to maintain aerobic performance: Cyclists and triathletes report improved endurance and faster recovery when combining HBOT with high-intensity interval training. Football clubs use HBOT to help players recover from repeated sprints and matches, indirectly supporting aerobic performance. Some Olympic long-distance runners have reportedly integrated HBOT alongside altitude training to enhance VO₂ max.

Safety and Protocols

Typical VO₂ max protocols use 1.3–2.0 ATA for 60–90 minutes, 3–5 times weekly.  HBOT is safe for athletes when performed under supervision. Contraindications include untreated pneumothorax and some ear/sinus conditions.

Conclusion

While HBOT doesn’t replace traditional endurance training, it may offer an additional pathway to improve VO₂ max by enhancing oxygen delivery, boosting mitochondrial efficiency, and allowing more consistent training through better recovery. This makes HBOT a promising tool for athletes aiming to push aerobic performance to new levels.

At Freebreather, we aim to make HBOT accessible, safe, and user-friendly — so
Whether you’re training for your first marathon or competing professionally, you can breathe life into your performance.

Curious about improving your VO₂ max with HBOT? Learn more about
Freebreather chambers and how they can support your endurance, recovery,
and overall fitness.