How do I find active HBOT clinical trials?

Go to ClinicalTrials.gov and search 'hyperbaric oxygen'. Filter by status (Recruiting), condition, and location. This is the authoritative registry for US-registered trials. Most active HBOT trials are for Long COVID, TBI, PTSD, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's.

Is HBOT free if I join a clinical trial?

Most HBOT clinical trials provide the treatment at no cost to enrolled participants within the trial protocol. There may be travel costs, time costs, and costs for non-study-related care. Some trials also provide compensation for participation. Ask the study coordinator for a full breakdown.

What is a sham HBOT control arm?

In randomized HBOT trials, the control group may receive sham HBOT — slight pressure change that doesn't achieve therapeutic levels, sometimes with room air instead of 100% O2. The goal is to blind participants so they don't know if they're receiving active treatment. If you enroll, you may be assigned to the sham arm.

What conditions exclude me from HBOT trials?

Common exclusion criteria include untreated pneumothorax, certain severe lung conditions, active seizure disorder, severe claustrophobia, active ear infections, pregnancy, and some cardiac conditions. Each trial has specific criteria — read the eligibility requirements on ClinicalTrials.gov before contacting a site.

Where are HBOT clinical trials usually conducted?

Most US HBOT trials are at academic medical centers, VA hospitals, and university-affiliated research facilities. Major international sites include the Efrati lab at Tel Aviv University in Israel. Some trials run across multiple sites.

Active HBOT Clinical Trials: How to Find One and What to Expect

Clinical trials are the fastest way to access HBOT for investigational conditions you can’t otherwise get covered. If you have Long COVID, TBI, PTSD, or another condition being actively studied, a trial may cover the cost of treatment entirely while contributing to the research that could change how these conditions are treated.

Here’s how to find trials, evaluate them, and understand what participation actually involves.

Where to Find HBOT Trials

ClinicalTrials.gov is the authoritative registry for clinical trials in the United States. Go there and search “hyperbaric oxygen.” Filter results by:

Recruitment status: set to “Recruiting” to find trials currently enrolling
Condition: enter your specific condition (Long COVID, TBI, PTSD, etc.)
Location: enter your city or state to find trials within a reasonable distance

The registry lists trial purpose, eligibility criteria, contact information, and study sites. Read the full listing before contacting a site — you can save everyone time by confirming you meet basic eligibility before reaching out.

Active Investigation Areas (2025-2026)

The most active areas of HBOT clinical research as of early 2026:

Long COVID cognitive symptoms — multiple trials are running or completing, several at academic centers. This is currently the most active area of new HBOT trial enrollment in the US and internationally.

TBI and concussion — active trials at military hospitals, VA facilities, and university centers. Post-blast TBI in veterans is a specific focus. See our TBI and concussion condition page.

PTSD — several trials examining HBOT for PTSD and its neurobiological mechanisms. Often co-enrolled with TBI trials given overlap in the veteran population. See HBOT for PTSD.

Parkinson’s disease — investigational trials examining potential neuroprotective effects.

Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline — Efrati lab and others have published preliminary work; trials are active. See HBOT for Alzheimer’s.

Inflammatory bowel disease — smaller number of trials but active investigation.

What Trial Participation Involves

Most HBOT trials provide treatment at no cost to enrolled participants within the protocol. Sessions, supplies, and monitoring happen at the study site. Some trials also offer compensation for time and travel.

You’ll typically need to:

Complete a screening process. Researchers will review your medical history, current medications, and symptoms to confirm eligibility. This may include blood work, cognitive testing, or imaging depending on the study.

Commit to the session schedule. HBOT trials often run 40 to 60 sessions, 5 days per week for 8 to 12 weeks. This is a significant time commitment. Many trials don’t accommodate missed sessions well — high attendance is usually required.

Accept randomization. If it’s a randomized trial, you may be assigned to a control arm rather than active HBOT. Ask directly whether the trial has a sham arm and what the probability of active treatment is.

Allow data collection. You’ll complete questionnaires, tests, and possibly biological sampling throughout the study. This is the price of admission for free treatment.

Understanding Sham Controls

Many well-designed HBOT trials include a sham arm to blind participants. Sham HBOT may involve slight pressurization that doesn’t reach therapeutic levels, delivery of compressed air instead of 100% oxygen, or a brief pressure increase followed by return to near-atmospheric levels.

The purpose is to prevent the placebo effect from contaminating the results. If you’re in the sham arm, you won’t know it during the trial. Some trials do crossover designs where control arm participants receive active HBOT in a second phase.

Be honest with yourself: if enrolling only because you want the free treatment, a 50% chance of being in the sham arm may not be what you’re hoping for. Ask the study coordinator about the trial design and randomization ratio before enrolling.

Common Exclusion Criteria

Most HBOT trials exclude participants with:

Untreated pneumothorax (collapsed lung)
Severe obstructive lung disease
Active seizure disorder or seizures within the past year
Severe claustrophobia
Active middle ear infection or certain ear conditions
Pregnancy
Implanted electronic devices that aren’t pressure-rated
Recent chest or ear surgery

Each trial has its own specific list. Read the full eligibility criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov before assuming you qualify.

Where Trials Are Conducted

Academic medical centers run most US HBOT trials. VA hospitals and military research facilities are major sites for veteran-population studies. The Efrati lab at Tel Aviv University (Israel) and affiliated European centers are prominent international sites and have produced much of the recent anti-aging and neurological HBOT research.

Multi-site trials have locations across the US. If no trial is within reasonable distance, search for multi-site studies and contact the lead site to ask whether remote enrollment or travel support exists.

FAQ

How long do I have to wait to get into a trial? Screening and enrollment timelines vary. Some trials enroll quickly because of large patient populations. Others for rarer conditions or with strict eligibility criteria take longer. Contact the study site directly and ask about their current wait time.

Can I be in a trial and also do private HBOT sessions? Possibly not. Many trials prohibit concurrent private HBOT during the study period because it would confound the results. Ask before starting any outside treatment.

Do I need a doctor’s referral to join a trial? Usually not, but having your medical records in order accelerates the screening process. Some studies require a referring physician. Check the trial’s contact page.

What happens at the end of the trial? If you’re in the sham arm, some trials offer active HBOT as a compassionate use after completion. This is trial-specific. Ask during enrollment what post-trial options exist.

Medical Disclaimer: The content on this page is for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice and does not create a doctor-patient relationship. HBOT for TBI, Long COVID, PTSD, and other investigational conditions is not FDA-approved. Participation in clinical trials carries risks. Consult a licensed physician before enrolling in any clinical trial.