Research Studies

Published research on HBOT for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome / ME

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These publications include different levels of evidence—not necessarily clinical trials. PubMed indexing is not proof of benefit or an endorsement. Summaries are based on available PubMed abstracts, not a formal full-text quality assessment. Read the limitations as well as the findings; some papers report no benefit or potential harms.
Uncontrolled pilot study 2013

The efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the management of chronic fatigue syndrome. (opens PubMed in a new tab)

Akarsu S; Tekin L; Ay H; Carli AB; Tok F; Simşek K; Kiralp MZ — Undersea & hyperbaric medicine : journal of the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society, Inc

Plain English Summary

People diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome reported less fatigue and better quality-of-life scores after a course of HBOT.

Limitations & context: There was no control group and the sample was small. The authors explicitly call for larger controlled studies.

View on PubMed · PMID 23682549
Prospective cohort study 2026

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy improves clinical symptoms and functional capacity and modulates thalamic connectivity in ME/CFS: a prospective cohort study. (opens PubMed in a new tab)

Kim L; Cammà G; Peters CK; Mantwill M; Müller O; Leprêtre N; Heindrich C; Rust R; Krill M; Hartung TJ; Reeß LG; Krohn S; Heymann CV; Wittke K; Finke C; Scheibenbogen C — Journal of translational medicine

Plain English Summary

Patients with ME/CFS showed changes in physical function, fatigue, cognition, and brain connectivity after HBOT.

Limitations & context: Healthy controls were used for imaging comparisons, not as a randomized treatment control. Clinical efficacy still needs controlled confirmation.

View on PubMed · PMID 42249466

Medical Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting HBOT or any treatment. Individual results may vary.