Current Research Studies

Our Research Portfolio

Summit Hyperbarics & Wellness is committed to advancing evidence-based hyperbaric medicine through carefully designed clinical research.

Each study within our research portfolio addresses a unique scientific question while sharing a common commitment to participant safety, scientific integrity, and improving participant care. Most studies are available only to eligible participants receiving care through Summit.

Summit participants in a quiet lobby and treatment area preparing for clinical appointments.

Current Research Studies

Recruiting and Upcoming Clinical Investigations

Recruiting

Research Study 1

Study Title: Evaluating the Effects of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy on Cognitive Functioning, Mental Health, and Quality of Life in Veterans

Primary Population

Idaho Veterans

Enrollment

Approximately 54 veterans

Principal Investigator

Steven Wyman, MD

Research Coordinator

Troy Nickel, PhD

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate how Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) may affect cognitive functioning, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and overall quality of life in veterans.

Primary Areas of Investigation: HBOT, Cognitive Functioning, Psychological Outcomes, Quality of Life

Study Details: Please refer to ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT07214415) for additional information.

View Full Veterans Study Protocol
Recruiting

Research Study 2

Study Title: Assessing Follow-Up Effects Post-Discontinuation of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy on Cognitive Function, Mental Health, and Quality of Life in Veterans

Primary Population

Idaho Veterans

Enrollment

Approximately 35 veterans

Principal Investigator

Steven Wyman, MD

Research Coordinator

Troy Nickel, PhD

Purpose: This study builds upon prior HBOT research and is designed to assess whether benefits observed immediately after treatment are sustained over time. Participation includes a follow-up assessment approximately 12 weeks after completion of HBOT sessions, including standardized cognitive and psychometric testing.

Primary Areas of Investigation: HBOT, Cognitive Functioning, Psychological Outcomes, Quality of Life

Study Details: ClinicalTrials.gov link coming soon.

Coming Soon

Research Study 3

Study Title: Changes in Cognitive Functioning, Psychological Well-Being, and Quality of Life Following Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in First Responders

Primary Population

First Responders

Enrollment

Approximately 54 first responders

Principal Investigator

Steven Wyman, MD

Research Coordinator

Troy Nickel, PhD

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate how HBOT may be associated with changes in cognitive functioning and post-concussive symptoms in first responders with a history of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). The study will also assess changes in PTSD, depression, anxiety, and overall quality of life as secondary outcomes.

Primary Areas of Investigation: HBOT, Cognitive Functioning, Psychological Outcomes, Quality of Life

Eligible first responder occupations include:

  • Law enforcement officers (local, state, tribal, and federal)
  • Firefighters (career and volunteer)
  • Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs)
  • Paramedics
  • Search and rescue personnel
  • Other public safety personnel whose primary duties involved responding to emergency incidents in the field

Participation Involvement

  • Initial eligibility screening
  • Informed consent
  • Baseline cognitive and psychological assessments
  • 40 HBOT sessions
  • Weekly safety and medical evaluations
  • Blood draws (pre, mid, and post)
  • Post-treatment assessments

Outcome Measures

  • Cognitive functioning: memory, executive functioning, attention, information processing speed, verbal functioning, visual spatial function, and motor skills
  • Psychological outcomes: PTSD, depression, and anxiety
  • Severity of post-concussive symptoms and changes over time
  • Quality of life
Coming Soon

Research Study 4

Study Title: Neuroinflammatory and Neuroinjury Biomarker Dynamics Following Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury and Persistent Post-Concussive Symptoms

Primary Population

Idaho Veterans

Enrollment

Approximately 34 veterans

Principal Investigator

Steven Wyman, MD

Research Coordinator

Troy Nickel, PhD

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether HBOT can modulate key inflammatory, neurotrophic, and neuronal injury-related biomarkers in veterans with TBI and Persistent Post-Concussive Symptoms (PPCS), while exploratorily examining the potential influence of comorbid PTSD on these biomarker responses.

Primary Areas of Investigation: HBOT, Biological Markers

Participation Involvement

  • Initial eligibility screening
  • Informed consent
  • Biological marker collection
  • 40 HBOT sessions
  • Weekly safety and medical evaluations
  • Blood draws (pre, mid, and post)
  • Post-treatment assessments

Outcome Measures (Biological Markers)

  • Inflammation: C-reactive protein (CRP), Interleukin-1 (IL-1), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Interleukin-10 (IL-10), Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha (TNF-alpha)
  • Neurotrophic Protein: Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF)
  • Neuronal, Axonal, and Glial Biomarkers: Neurofilament Light Chain (NfL), Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP), Brain-Derived Tau (BD-tau), and Ubiquitin C-Terminal Hydrolase L1 (UCH-L1)
Summit care team area with seating and natural lighting where participants begin their service pathway.

Interested in Participating?

How to Access Services and Future Research Opportunities

Research opportunities are generally available only to eligible participants receiving care through Summit Hyperbarics & Wellness.

If you would like to learn whether you may be eligible for Summit's charitable programs and future research opportunities, please begin by following our standard process for accessing services.

Participation in research is always voluntary and is never required to receive clinical care.

Learn How to Access Services