Hydrogen Inhalation Improves Physical Fitness in Patients with Rheumatic Diseases, New Czech Study Shows. A ground-breaking study conducted over nearly two years at Teplice nad Bečvou Spa has shown that molecular hydrogen inhalation significantly improves physical fitness in patients with rheumatic conditions. The research, carried out in collaboration with experts from Palacký University Olomouc, involved 24 patients divided into experimental and placebo groups. Results from the hydrogen group were 50% better than those of the placebo group.
Patients who inhaled hydrogen for 15 consecutive days showed notable improvements in the six-minute walk test, as well as increased comfort during movement and better tolerance to physical exertion and muscle fatigue.
A Controlled, Double-Blind Clinical Study
This prospective, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study aimed to verify the effects of molecular hydrogen inhalation on enhancing physical performance, reducing perceived exertion, and improving autonomic cardiac regulation in patients undergoing standard spa treatment, which included traditional procedures and guided physical activity.
The research was led by Assoc. Prof. Michal Botek, Ph.D., of the Faculty of Physical Culture at Palacký University, which has been researching molecular hydrogen for over eight years. H2 Global Group provided technical support for the study, supplying the hydrogen generators used by participants.
“Our results suggest that hydrogen inhalation leads to a significant improvement in functional status in patients with rheumatic diseases,” said Dr Botek.
“Those who underwent the 15-day treatment showed an average improvement of 93 metres in the six-minute walking test—a 50% increase compared to the placebo group. Participants also reported lower perceived effort during walking and improved autonomic nervous system function.”
Spa Medicine Enhanced by Hydrogen Innovation
“Hydrogen therapy allows us to offer a more advanced form of rehabilitation—one that not only improves fitness but also enhances recovery and overall well-being,” said MUDr. Gabriela Hanslianová, Head Physician at Teplice nad Bečvou Spa.
“The results of the study motivate us to expand the use of this innovative method within spa care.”
Teplice Spa has been using molecular hydrogen since 2020. The current study builds on previous research by Dr Botek, including a 2022 publication demonstrating the beneficial effects of hydrogen inhalation on patients recovering from COVID-19.
Currently, his team is conducting further research at Bludov Spa, examining the metabolic effects of drinking hydrogen-rich water in adolescents with obesity undergoing a four-week programme involving exercise and caloric restriction.
“We’re continuously exploring the broad therapeutic potential of molecular hydrogen, from respiratory parameters to metabolism and physical performance,” says Dr Botek. “We believe its benefits for both spa and exercise-based therapies are far greater than currently realised.”
Hydrogen as a Targeted Antioxidant
“Molecular hydrogen acts as a selective antioxidant that protects cells from oxidative stress and inflammation,” explains Professor Shigeo Ohta, Ph.D., a globally recognised expert in molecular hydrogen and Director of Science & Research at H2 Global Group.
“Its properties make it a powerful tool for reducing chronic inflammation and supporting faster recovery in these types of conditions.”
For the purposes of the study, H2 Global Group provided molecular hydrogen generators, which patients in the experimental group used daily for 15 days. Participants inhaled hydrogen via a nasal cannula for 60 minutes each day, while the placebo group inhaled ambient air. The double-blind protocol ensured that neither the patients nor the spa personnel administering the treatment knew who was receiving hydrogen and who was not—ensuring objective and unbiased results.
Unlocking New Possibilities in Rehabilitation
This study opens up new possibilities for the use of molecular hydrogen in therapeutic protocols, whether through inhalation or hydrogen-enriched water, across a broader range of medical indications. With growing scientific evidence, hydrogen therapy is emerging as a safe and effective tool to support regeneration, mobility, and systemic balance—both in spa environments and beyond.
