HBOT scientific muscle recovery poster

Abstract

Integrated Muscle Oxygen Recovery Monitoring During Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT): Combining NIRS, DXA and Muscle Stress Analysis in Elite Athletes Description This scientific poster presents a novel multimodal framework for evaluating skeletal muscle recovery during Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) in elite athletes. The project integrates continuous Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS), Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA), and a standardized Keiser-based Muscle Stress Score (MSS) to quantify changes in muscle oxygenation, increased perfusion with a regulation of HBOT at 1.5-2.0ATA, 40%O2 and 0.5%H2, measuring regional lean muscle mass, and recovery kinetics. The recovery protocol combines 3–5 minutes of cold-water immersion (4°C), 5 minutes of infrared therapy (75°C), Keiser tendon and neuromuscular activation, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, active recovery within the chamber, and intermittent pneumatic compression (pressure boots). Continuous monitoring of muscle oxygen saturation (SmO₂) demonstrates the physiological sequence of vasoconstriction, vasodilation, hyperoxic oxygen loading, enhanced perfusion, and progressive recovery. The poster introduces two novel research indices: Muscle Oxygen Extraction Index (MOEI): quantifies the relative reduction in muscle oxygen saturation (SmO₂) from baseline to the minimum value reached during standardized exercise. Relative Oxygen Utilization Index (ROUI): integrates Muscle Stress Score (MSS), MOEI and regional DXA-derived lean muscle mass to estimate muscle-specific oxygen utilization relative to active muscle tissue. Longitudinal monitoring of elite gymnasts demonstrates progressive improvements in skeletal muscle perfusion, oxygen availability and recovery following repeated HBOT sessions. The combined activation protocol resulted in faster restoration of baseline SmO₂, enhanced microvascular recruitment, improved oxygen delivery, and more efficient muscle recovery compared with earlier passive HBOT sessions. Segmental DXA analysis further enabled normalization of oxygen kinetics to regional muscle mass, providing a more individualized assessment of physiological adaptation. This work demonstrates the feasibility of integrating DXA body composition, continuous NIRS monitoring, HBOT, and velocity-based resistance training into a comprehensive recovery monitoring platform. The proposed methodology offers objective biomarkers for evaluating muscle recovery, guiding individualized recovery interventions, optimizing training load, and potentially reducing injury risk in high-performance athletes. Keywords Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT); Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS); Muscle Oxygen Saturation (SmO₂); Tissue Saturation Index (TSI); Muscle Recovery; Sports Science; Elite Athletes; Perfusion; Microcirculation; Muscle Oxygen Extraction Index (MOEI); Relative Oxygen Utilization Index (ROUI); Muscle Stress Score (MSS); DXA; Lean Muscle Mass; Recovery Monitoring; Exercise Physiology; Hyperoxia; Sports Medicine; Injury Prevention; Performance Adaptation. Authors Jonathan Wiggins¹²³, Research Group and Performance Institute, FC, Belgium ¹ Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Belgium² Ghent University (UGent), Belgium³ VIVES University of Applied Sciences, Kortrijk, Belgium Citation Wiggins J. Integrated Muscle Oxygen Recovery Monitoring During Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT): Combining NIRS, DXA and Muscle Stress Analysis in Elite Athletes. Scientific Poster. Research Group and Performance Institute, Flanders Cobblestone Paradise, 2026. Note: The poster presents preliminary findings from an ongoing pilot study. The confirmed IP Jonathan Wiggins MOEI and ROUI indices are novel research metrics under development and require validation in larger athlete cohorts before routine clinical or performance application.