Hyperbaric oxygenation for assisting recovery of athletes including those affected by COVID-19 under medium-altitude conditions

Introduction. Modern scientific studies demonstrate the effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygenation in assisting recovery following physical exertion including those affected by COVID-19 infection. Objective. The study sets out to identify the beneficial effects of hyperbaric oxygenation therapy in assisting the recovery of athletes under medium-altitude conditions, including those who have previously undergone COVID-19, by examining respiratory and circulatory systems. Materials and methods. The study was performed on 39 highly qualified athletes during a period of training in mountainous areas. The athletes’ heart rate variability, central hemodynamics, saturation and external respiration were determined prior to hyperbaric oxygenation, as well as immediately following the procedure, 10 min after the procedure, and following a course of 7 procedures. Results. According to heart rate variability indices in women who underwent COVID-19, there was a tendency to decrease heart rate 10 min after hyperbaric oxygenation and very a slow wave power index after the course of (before — 665.65 (592.54; 921.07) ms 2 ; after — 541.47 (371.01; 840.89) ms 2 , p < 0.05). After the first session there was a decrease in systolic blood pressure (before — 117 (111; 120) mm Hg; after — 109 (104; 115) mm Hg, p < 0.03), as well as in the index of volumetric airflow velocity at the moment of exhalation of 50% of forced vital capacity of lungs. A comparison of men’s parameters revealed a decrease in peripheral vascular resistance and blood pressure. In women and men who had previously suffered COVID-19 infection, the index of impaired oxygen uptake from the microcirculation system decreased under the influence of hyperbaric oxygenation. Conclusions. Hyperbaric oxygenation therapy is a safe and effective method for assisting the recovery of athletes under medium-altitude conditions, including those who have previously suffered COVID-19 infection. The observed improvements in functional state are manifested over the course of application (7 sessions).