Oxygen Therapy: What 12 Peer-Reviewed Studies Actually Show

Breathing might be the most underrated performance tool we have.
Over the past few years, oxygen therapy — from hyperbaric chambers to guided breathwork — has surged in popularity across the wellness world. But what’s hype, and what’s actually backed by science?
We dug into 12 peer-reviewed studies to separate the facts from the fluff. Here’s what we found.
 
1. It supports cellular energy — but only in specific contexts.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), which delivers oxygen at higher-than-atmospheric pressure, has been shown to boost mitochondrial function — the energy factories of your cells.
In a 2020 study published in Aging, participants undergoing HBOT saw increased stem cell counts and improved tissue regeneration markers. However, these effects are primarily observed in clinical or highly controlled recovery settings.
✅ TL;DR: Yes, it can help — but you’re not getting these effects from a scented oxygen bar.
 
2. Recovery and inflammation markers improve post-therapy.
Multiple studies (e.g., Journal of Athletic Training, Frontiers in Physiology) show reduced muscle soreness and inflammatory markers after sessions of HBOT or oxygen-enriched environments.
This could be a game-changer for athletes or anyone recovering from intense training — but again, dosage and timing matter.
🧠 Pro tip: Oxygen therapy works best as part of a recovery stack, not a magic bullet.
 
3. Cognitive clarity may improve — especially in older adults.
In a 2019 randomized trial in Neuropsychology Review, elderly participants undergoing repeated oxygen therapy showed improved attention and memory performance.
The likely mechanism? Enhanced cerebral oxygenation and blood flow.
That said, there’s limited evidence in young, healthy adults — so don’t expect it to replace sleep, hydration, or mindfulness anytime soon.
 
4. Breathwork is a science too — not just spiritual.
Not all oxygen therapy requires a machine. Breathwork techniques like box breathing, diaphragmatic breathing, and intermittent hypoxia training are backed by real data.
They help regulate stress hormones, improve vagal tone, and even modulate immune response.
✨ You don’t need a chamber — just five intentional minutes a day.
 
So... should you try it?
If you're an athlete, biohacker, or recovering from illness, clinically-supervised oxygen therapy can offer serious benefits.
If you're a wellness explorer looking to boost clarity or recovery, guided breathwork is a low-risk, science-backed starting point.
But like anything in health, context is everything. Oxygen therapy isn’t a shortcut — it’s a tool. And like any tool, it works best when used with purpose, not hype.