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Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy at 1.3 ATA Mobilizes Stem Cells | Clinical Evidence
- Christy Van Hoogevest
- Oct 2
- 3 min read
Why This Study Matters
For decades, slightly pressurized room air (“hyperbaric air”) has been used as a placebo control in hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) research. The assumption was simple: modest increases in pressure without pure oxygen should have no biological effect.
But a 2023 human trial published in Frontiers in Neurology challenges this idea. The study showed that hyperbaric air at only 1.27 ATA mobilized stem cells 2–4x above baseline, proving that even mild hyperbaric exposures produce real, measurable physiological changes.
Study Overview
Title: Hyperbaric air mobilizes stem cells in humans; a new perspective on the hormetic dose curve
Journal: Frontiers in Neurology (2023)
Design: Prospective, randomized, single-blind human trial
Participants: 10 healthy adults (average age 34)
Protocol: 10 sessions of hyperbaric air at 1.27 ATA (4 psig), 90 minutes each, over 2 weeks
Measurements: Stem cell populations (CD34+, CD133−, CD31+), cytokines/chemokines, complete blood counts
Key Findings: Mild Hyperbaric Therapy at 1.3 ATA
Stem Cell Mobilization
CD34+/CD133− stem cells doubled after 9 exposures (p = 0.02).
Three days post-treatment, counts rose to 3-fold above baseline (p = 0.008).
CD45+/CD34+/CD133− cells increased by 3.5-fold after 9 exposures and over 4-fold at 72 hours post-treatment (p = 0.002).
Other Stem Cell Populations
CD31+/CD105− cells also doubled after treatment and stayed elevated 72 hours later (p = 0.016).
CD34−/CD133+ cells decreased significantly (5- to 6-fold drop, p < 0.02).
Cytokine Modulation
Macrophage-Derived Chemokine (MDC) decreased significantly (p = 0.008).
Safety
No adverse events were reported.
No significant changes in complete blood counts.
Implications for Wellness Practices
This study demonstrates that mild HBOT pressures (around 1.3 ATA) are biologically active. What was once thought of as a placebo is now proven to:
Mobilize multiple stem cell populations associated with repair and regeneration.
Produce changes that last for days after exposure.
Offer a lower-pressure, safe, and well-tolerated option for clients.
For clinicians, it highlights the potential of using mild HBOT as a gentle, noninvasive regenerative therapy. For wellness professionals, it validates the role of 1.3 ATA systems in supporting recovery, performance, and healthy aging.
Key Takeaways
Hyperbaric air at 1.27 ATA mobilized stem cells 2–4x above baseline in healthy adults.
Effects were durable for at least 72 hours after treatment.
Findings validate that mild HBOT at 1.3 ATA is not placebo—it produces real biological effects.
Supports both clinical and wellness applications for safe, noninvasive regenerative care.
About BH Labs
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We specialize in seamlessly integrating science-backed modalities - including mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), red light therapy, PEMF, infrared saunas, and lymphatic drainage - into existing businesses such as spas, gyms, medspas, recovery studios, and healthy aging centers in a simple subscription-based model.
Our turnkey approach ensures that your business can quickly offer high-value, evidence-based treatments that attract clients, boost engagement, and position you at the forefront of the wellness and longevity market.
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