Patients receiving hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) at the Hyperbaric Medicine Unit (University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada) from 2016-2021 were recruited with informed consent to this prospective cohort study. All included patients underwent HBOT in one of three monoplace chambers (Sechrist 3600H and Sechrist 4100H, Sechrist Industries Inc., Anaheim, CA, USA; PAH-S1-3200, Pan-America Hyperbarics Inc., Plano, TX, USA) or via a plastic hood in a multiplace chamber (Hyperbaric System, Fink Engineering PTY-LTD, Warana, Australia). HBOT was performed with 100% oxygen at 2.0-2.4 ATA, with 1-3 air breaks, typically at 5 sessions per week, with limited variation depending on the treatment indication and patient/clinician decision.~Study participants completed pulmonary function testing (PFTs) at several intervals during their HBOT treatment: prior to the first HBOT session, and serially after every 20 subsequent treatments. PFTs were performed using a KoKo Trek USB Spirometer software and pneumotachometer (KoKo, USA), with the assistance of a trained technician and in accordance with industry norms.~Retrospectively, PFT data was collected from all enrolled patients' electronic and paper medical charts. This data included anonymized patient demographics, as well as percentage of predicted forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and forced mid-expiratory flow rates (FEF25-75). PFT values underwent statistical analysis to identify potential effects of HBOT on pulmonary function.
Patients receiving hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) for any indication at the Hyperbaric Medicine Unit (University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada) from 2016-2021 were recruited to this prospective cohort study. While receiving HBOT (at 2.0-2.4 ATA, with 1-3 air breaks, with specific treatment details determined on a case-by-case basis and directed by the clinical team), enrolled patients underwent pulmonary function testing prior to HBOT treatment and serially after each 20 completed treatment cycles.