Hydrogen-oxygen mixture inhalation as an adjunctive treatment to home-based exercise in older patients with knee osteoarthritis: an open-label, blinded-endpoint, randomized controlled trial.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a degenerative joint condition, leading to disability and diminished quality of life. Molecular hydrogen has been proven to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, but few studies have investigated its effects on osteoarthritis. Our study aims to assess the therapeutic potential of hydrogen-oxygen mixture (H₂-O₂) inhalation for KOA.

Methods

In this randomized controlled trial, eligible elderly KOA patients were randomly assigned to either Group H or Group C. Both groups participated in a 12-week home-based exercise (HBE) program, which included knee-joint exercises and health education. Group H additionally received H₂-O₂ inhalation for 60 min per day over 2 weeks, while Group C did

SUBMITTER: Wang C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11821916 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature