High‑pressure oxygen's effect on maximal muscle strength
Effect of Hyperoxygenated Environment on Maximal Muscle Strength in the Mid-thigh Pull Test - a Blinded, Randomized, Sham-Controlled Crossover Study
This will test whether breathing 100% oxygen at increased pressure before an isometric mid‑thigh pull can boost peak lower‑body strength in healthy, resistance‑trained adults aged 18–45.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 48 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Assaf-Harofeh Medical Center Government |
| Locations | 1 site (Zrifin) |
| Trial ID | NCT07558928 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The trial randomizes healthy, physically active adults to receive a hyperbaric oxygen session (100% O2 at >1 ATA) or a sham exposure and compares peak force on the isometric mid‑thigh pull (IMTP). IMTP is used to measure maximal multi‑joint lower‑body force production in a controlled isometric task. The study examines whether the large increase in tissue oxygen from hyperbaric exposure can meaningfully alter the small oxidative contribution to maximal strength. Standard exclusions include pulmonary or ear disease, recent major orthopedic injury, prior hyperbaric treatment, smoking, claustrophobia, neurologic conditions, and other comorbidities.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Healthy adults aged 18–45 who are physically active with at least six months of resistance training (≥3 sessions/week) and who have no contraindications to hyperbaric oxygen are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with lung or inner‑ear disease, active malignancy, recent major orthopedic injury, active smokers, claustrophobia, prior hyperbaric treatment, neurological disorders, or other disqualifying comorbidities are unlikely to participate or derive benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the intervention could produce a short‑term increase in maximal lower‑body force, which might inform athletic performance or recovery strategies.
How similar studies have performed: Applying hyperbaric oxygen to immediate maximal strength is relatively novel with limited and mixed prior evidence from related performance or recovery studies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Healthy 2. Ages 18-45 3. Participants are physically active and have a recent resistance-training experience of at least six months, ≥ 3 times a week 4. Participant willing and able to read, understand and sign an informed consent Exclusion Criteria: 1. Inability to attend scheduled clinic visits or comply with the study protocol 2. Active malignancy 3. Active smokers 4. Previous treatment of hyperbaric chamber for any reason prior to study enrollment. 5. Chest pathology incompatible with pressure changes 6. Major orthopedic injury at the past 3 months 7. Inner ear disease 8. Lung pathology 9. Claustrophobia 10. Previous neurologic conditions (e.g., epilepsy, brain tumors or s/p neurosurgery etc.) 11. Comorbidities and medications that rule out the subject
Where this trial is running
Zrifin
- The Sagol Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Research Shamir Medical Center — Zrifin, Israel (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Eldad mr Yaakobi
- Email: yaakobi.eldad@gmail.com
- Phone: 972-8-9779393
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.