Research Tracker · Updated March 2026
HBOT Clinical Trials 2025–2026
A plain-language tracker of active and recently published hyperbaric oxygen therapy research. All studies below are peer-reviewed or government-funded. None represent FDA approval for off-label conditions.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is currently being studied in clinical trials for TBI, PTSD, Long COVID, post-stroke depression, Type 2 diabetes, sleep disorders, and longevity. As of 2026, 2 major trials are active or ongoing. HBOT has 14 FDA-approved indications; all other conditions remain off-label. Patients can receive off-label HBOT with a physician prescription. The most significant recent finding: the USF Veterans Trial (Feb 2025) showed a +10.6 point improvement in TBI/PTSD symptoms vs +3.6 in the sham control group.
USF Veterans HBOT Trial
University of South Florida · $28M state-funded
Key Finding
+10.6 point improvement vs +3.6 in sham control group
Pressure
1.5 ATA
Sessions
40 sessions
Population
Veterans with blast-related TBI/PTSD
HOT-LoCO Trial (Phase II)
Multiple centers (UK/Europe) · Government research grant
Key Finding
Significant improvement in cognitive function and fatigue vs sham
Pressure
2.4 ATA
Sessions
30 sessions
Population
Adults with Long COVID symptoms 3+ months post-infection
HBOT for Post-Stroke Depression RCT
Multiple centers (China) · National research funding
Key Finding
BDNF/NGF mechanism identified; significant reduction in depression scores
Pressure
2.0 ATA
Sessions
20 sessions
Population
Stroke survivors with major depressive disorder
Telomere Lengthening & Senescent Cell Clearance
Tel Aviv University / Shamir Medical Center · Academic research
Key Finding
38% increase in telomere length; 37% reduction in senescent cells after 60 sessions
Pressure
2.0 ATA
Sessions
60 sessions
Population
Healthy adults aged 64+
HBOT & Insulin Sensitivity
Research consortium · Academic
Key Finding
Glucose infusion rate increased 26% during HBOT — significant improvement in insulin sensitivity
Pressure
2.4 ATA
Sessions
Single and multi-session protocols studied
Population
Adults with Type 2 diabetes
HBOT for Sleep Across Aging, Long COVID & PTSD
Multi-center retrospective study · Academic
Key Finding
Significant improvements in sleep quality scores across all three patient populations
Pressure
2.0 ATA
Sessions
20–40 sessions
Population
Adults with aging-related sleep issues, Long COVID, or PTSD
Ongoing UHMS Registry Studies
UHMS (Undersea & Hyperbaric Medical Society) · Member institution data
Key Finding
Multi-center real-world outcomes data for all 14 FDA-approved indications
Pressure
2.0–2.8 ATA
Sessions
20–40 sessions (standard protocol)
Population
All clinical HBOT patients at UHMS-accredited facilities
Find Open HBOT Trials Near You
ClinicalTrials.gov lists all registered clinical trials in the US and internationally. Search for "hyperbaric oxygen therapy" and filter by "Recruiting" to find trials accepting participants.
Medical disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. HBOT has 14 FDA-approved indications. All other conditions listed above are off-label uses. Consult a qualified physician before beginning any HBOT protocol. Trial results do not guarantee effectiveness for individual patients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are any HBOT clinical trials recruiting participants?
Yes. The USF Veterans HBOT Trial is actively recruiting veterans with TBI and PTSD. Visit ClinicalTrials.gov and search 'hyperbaric oxygen therapy' to find open trials near you. Trials for Long COVID, autism, and post-stroke depression are also ongoing at various institutions.
What is a sham-controlled HBOT trial?
A sham-controlled trial uses a placebo chamber that mimics HBOT conditions — participants hear the same sounds and feel slight pressure — but delivers ambient air rather than pressurized oxygen. This controls for the placebo effect. Positive results in sham-controlled trials are considered high-quality evidence. The USF TBI trial and HOT-LoCO Long COVID trial both used sham controls.
Do clinical trial results mean HBOT is FDA-approved for those conditions?
Not automatically. FDA approval requires a formal application backed by Phase III trial data, safety reviews, and manufacturing standards. Positive trial results are a step toward approval but don't guarantee it. Currently, HBOT has 14 FDA-approved indications. TBI, PTSD, Long COVID, and anti-aging remain off-label despite promising research.
Can I get HBOT for an off-label condition while trials are ongoing?
Yes, with a physician's prescription. Physicians can legally prescribe HBOT off-label, and many clinics offer sessions for conditions like TBI, Long COVID, and PTSD. Insurance will not cover off-label use. Some trial participants may receive HBOT as part of the study at reduced or no cost.
Where can I find the full list of active HBOT clinical trials?
The most comprehensive source is ClinicalTrials.gov — search for 'hyperbaric oxygen therapy' and filter by status (Recruiting, Active). The UHMS also maintains a list of research partnerships. PubMed.gov is the best source for published trial results.