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Hyperbaric oxygen therapy improves cognitive function and sleep quality in traumatic brain injury patients

This meta-analysis of 8 RCTs with 570 participants found that HBOT significantly improved computerized cognitive performance (SMD=0.23, 95% CI: 0.07-0.40), executive function and processing speed (SMD=-0.59, 95% CI: -0.93 to -0.26), memory function (SMD=0.33, 95% CI: 0.03-0.63), and sleep quality (MD=1.98, 95% CI: 0.07-3.88). No significant benefits were found for Glasgow Outcome Scale, PTSD symptoms, neurobehavioral symptoms, or emotional distress.

Last updated: Aug 14, 2026•0 RCTs•1 Meta-analyses•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score53/100
Human RCT☆☆☆☆☆
Meta-analysis★★★☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Effectiveness of Hyperbaric Oxygen in Traumatic Brain Injury Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

observational

Wang H, Zhou H, Nie J, Du S, Ning W, Ding S, Zhang H · Complementary therapies in medicine (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: Not specified
Intervention: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) compared to sham, standard care, or no treatment
Outcome: Computerized cognitive performance, executive function, processing speed, memory function, sleep quality, Glasgow Outcome Scale, PTSD symptoms, neurobehavioral symptoms, emotional distress
Effect Size: SMD=0.23 for cognitive performance; SMD=-0.59 for executive function/processing speed; SMD=0.33 for memory; MD=1.98 for sleep quality
Population: Adults with traumatic brain injury (predominantly mild TBI)

Result:

PubMed: 42575227DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2026.103417

Mechanism Graph

HBOT increases oxygen delivery to brain tissue
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Reduces cerebral edema and inflammation
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Promotes neuroplasticity and repair
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Result: Improved cognitive function and sleep quality

Limitations

  • ⚠High heterogeneity in some outcomes (I² up to 97%)
  • ⚠Limited applicability to moderate-to-severe TBI populations
  • ⚠Evidence for PTSD, neurobehavioral symptoms, and emotional distress remains uncertain

Frequently Asked Questions

Does hyperbaric oxygen therapy improve cognitive function in TBI patients?▼

Yes, the meta-analysis found significant improvements in computerized cognitive performance, executive function, processing speed, and memory function in TBI patients, predominantly those with mild TBI.

Does HBOT improve sleep quality in TBI patients?▼

Yes, HBOT significantly improved sleep quality (MD=1.98, 95% CI: 0.07-3.88), though heterogeneity was moderate (I²=65%).

Is HBOT effective for PTSD symptoms in TBI?▼

No significant benefit was found for PTSD symptoms (MD=-3.05, 95% CI: -7.05 to 0.95), so evidence remains uncertain.

What are the adverse effects of HBOT in TBI patients?▼

Most adverse events were mild and transient, but specific details were not provided in the abstract.

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References

  1. 1.Wang H, Zhou H, Nie J, Du S, Ning W, Ding S, Zhang H. "Effectiveness of Hyperbaric Oxygen in Traumatic Brain Injury Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.." Complementary therapies in medicine, 2026. PMID: 42575227 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2026.103417
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.