Biological mechanisms, therapeutic applications, clinical benefits and future perspectives of normobaric oxygen therapy: a literature review
Biological mechanisms, therapeutic applications, clinical benefits and future perspectives of normobaric oxygen therapy: a literature review

Summary/Abstract: Background: Normobaric oxygen therapy (NBO) is a widely used medical intervention aimed at enhancing oxygen delivery to tissues under atmospheric pressure. Recent studies have demonstrated its potential therapeutic benefits across various medical conditions, including stroke, traumatic brain injury, cardiovascular diseases, stress, mental disorders, and wound healing. Aim of the study: This literature review summarizes the biological mechanisms, therapeutic potential, and clinical outcomes of NBO. Material and methods: The literature review focused on clinical trials, experimental studies, and narrative reviews discussing biological mechanisms, therapeutic protocols, and outcomes of NBO. The search strategy focused on peer-reviewed English-language publications from major medical and scientific databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase, covering the period between 2010 and 2025 to ensure a comprehensive and evidence-based synthesis. Results: NBO exerts its therapeutic effects through multiple pathways, including enhanced oxygenation, stimulation of erythropoiesis via the normobaric oxygen paradox, inflammatory pathway modulation, and mitochondrial function improvement. Clinical evidence supports its application in neurological rehabilitation, cardiovascular conditions, wound healing, and respiratory support. However, despite its therapeutic potential, treatment protocol standardization, dosing regimen optimization, and long-term safety assessment remain critical research gaps requiring further investigation. Conclusions: NBO presents a promising non-invasive therapeutic approach with broad clinical applications. However, further large-scale randomized controlled trials are necessary to establish standardized guidelines, optimize dosing protocols, and evaluate long-term safety. Future research should also explore NBO integration into precision medicine and rehabilitation strategies.

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