Research Studies

Published research on HBOT for Diabetic Foot Ulcers & Problem Wounds

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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.

Randomized open-label trial 2017

Adjunctive Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Healing of Chronic Diabetic Foot Ulcers: A Randomized Controlled Trial. (opens PubMed in a new tab)

Chen CY; Wu RW; Hsu MC; Hsieh CJ; Chou MC — Journal of wound, ostomy, and continence nursing : official publication of The Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society

Plain English Summary

Patients receiving standard wound care plus HBOT had better ulcer healing and some other outcomes than those receiving standard wound care alone.

Limitations & context: This was a small, unblinded study in selected patients with nonhealing diabetic foot ulcers. HBOT was an adjunct, not a replacement for wound care.

View on PubMed · PMID 28968346

Systematic review / meta-analysis 2022

Efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for diabetic foot ulcers: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis. (opens PubMed in a new tab)

Zhang Z; Zhang W; Xu Y; Liu D — Asian journal of surgery

Plain English Summary

The pooled trials reported improved diabetic foot ulcer healing and fewer major amputations with adjunctive HBOT.

Limitations & context: The authors call for larger, well-designed trials. Results should not be generalized to every wound or every person with diabetes.

View on PubMed · PMID 34376365

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.