Which statement best describes how hyperbaric chambers aid injury rehabilitation?

• A. The chamber is depressurised.
• B. The chamber delivers ambient air under high pressure.
• C. The chamber is pressurised; oxygen delivery is increased and excess oxygen can dissolve in plasma.
• D. Excess oxygen released into the air.

Answer: (C)

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy boosts healing by increasing tissue oxygen availability through higher ambient pressure. When the chamber is pressurised and inner air is rich in oxygen, more O2 is driven into the blood, and some of it dissolves directly in plasma. That dissolved oxygen can reach damaged or poorly perfused tissues, supporting cell energy production and processes like collagen synthesis and new blood vessel growth essential for rehabilitation. This is why the description that the chamber is pressurised, oxygen delivery is increased, and excess oxygen can dissolve in plasma best captures how HBOT aids recovery. The other statements don’t reflect how the therapy works: depressurising, using ambient air under high pressure, or claiming oxygen is released into the air are incorrect descriptions of the mechanism.