Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Improves Cognitive Function and Mobilizes Stem Cells

Why This Study Matters

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) often leaves lasting cognitive and neurological deficits, with limited treatment options once the acute injury phase has passed. For many patients, long-term effects include memory loss, impaired executive function, and reduced quality of life.

A 2017 randomized, sham-controlled clinical trial published in Undersea & Hyperbaric Medicine investigated whether hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) could promote biological repair and improve cognitive outcomes in patients with persistent TBI symptoms. The study found that HBOT not only mobilized circulating stem cells but also improved multiple domains of cognitive function, suggesting a regenerative mechanism for neurological recovery.

Read the PubMed abstract | Read the Full Study on UHMS

Study Overview

• Title: Increased circulating stem cells and better cognitive performance in traumatic brain injury subjects following hyperbaric oxygen therapy

• Journal: Undersea & Hyperbaric Medicine (2017)

• Design: Randomized, sham-controlled clinical trial

• Participants: 50 military service members with chronic mild–moderate TBI and persistent cognitive symptoms

• Intervention:

  • Treatment: 30 sessions of HBOT (2.4 ATA, 90 minutes)

  • Control/Sham: 1.3 ATA air sessions

• Outcomes Measured: Circulating stem cells (CD34+ and nestin+), cognitive performance (ImPACT neurocognitive test battery), and PTSD symptom scores

Key Findings: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Traumatic Brain Injury

• Stem Cell Mobilization

  • HBOT significantly increased CD34+ and nestin+ stem cells after 15 and 30 sessions.

  • The sham group showed no such increases.

    
    

• Cognitive Performance

  • Verbal memory: Strong correlation with CD34+ stem cell increases (r = 0.74, p < 0.05 after 30 sessions).

  • Visual memory: Improved with CD34+ + nestin+ increases (r = 0.66, p < 0.05 at follow-up).

  • Processing speed: Improved with CD34+ increases (r = 0.69, p < 0.05 after 15 sessions).

  • Reaction time: Also improved significantly in the HBOT group.

    
    

• PTSD Symptoms

  • Improvements were noted in some clusters (re-experiencing, avoidance).

    
    

• Safety

  • HBOT was well tolerated.

  • No major adverse events were reported.

Implications for Brain Health and Recovery

This study provides compelling evidence that HBOT can stimulate the body’s regenerative processes while also improving cognitive function in patients with chronic TBI.

• For clinicians, HBOT represents a potential regenerative therapy that goes beyond symptom management by mobilizing stem cells linked to functional recovery.

• For patients, the combination of improved memory, faster processing, and reduced PTSD symptoms offers hope for long-term quality of life after TBI.

  
  

While this was a pilot study and further research is needed, the findings highlight HBOT as a safe and promising therapeutic option in the field of neurorehabilitation.

Key Takeaways

• HBOT significantly increased circulating CD34+ and nestin+ stem cells.

• Cognitive improvements were seen in memory, processing speed, and reaction time.

• Improvements in cognition correlated with stem cell mobilization.

• HBOT was safe and well tolerated in patients with chronic TBI.

From Research to Real-World Application: BH Labs

At BH Labs, we provide advanced recovery technologies, including mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy systems, designed for integration into clinics, wellness facilities, and performance centers. Our turnkey program makes it easy for professionals to offer science-backed HBOT alongside other evidence-based modalities such as PEMF, red light therapy, and compression-based lymphatic therapy.

By bringing HBOT into your practice, you can help clients access therapies with demonstrated potential to support cognitive recovery, neurological health, and overall resilience.

Learn more at www.bh-labs.com.