Webinar Recording: Healing Beyond the Surface: Gold Coast Researcher Leads Groundbreaking HBOT Study for Veterans Living with PTSD

Written By Jacqui Van de Velde

A new clinical trial led by Dr Nick Bradley is offering hope to Australian veterans with PTSD, following a recent webinar that spotlighted the potential of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) as a transformative treatment. Veterans and healthcare professionals are invited to learn more and register their interest in this important Gold Coast-based study.

On 19 March 2026, Dr Nick Bradley hosted an engaging and informative webinar, “Healing Beyond the Surface: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for PTSD in Australian Veterans.” The session brought together veterans, their families, and healthcare professionals to discuss the latest research and an upcoming clinical trial exploring HBOT as a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in ex-serving members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

Attendees received a comprehensive overview of the study’s aims, methodology, and the growing international evidence supporting HBOT for trauma-related conditions. The webinar also addressed participant eligibility and provided a platform for questions from the veteran and healthcare communities.

About the Study

The upcoming trial, based on the Gold Coast, has received ethical approval from the Bond University Human Research Ethics Committee (BUHREC), under project number 647-25. This pioneering Australian study will compare two HBOT treatment pressures—1.5 atmospheres absolute (ATA) and 2 ATA—to determine their effectiveness in reducing PTSD symptoms among veterans.

Study Methodology:

  • Treatment Pressures: Participants will be randomly assigned to receive HBOT at either 1.5 ATA or 2 ATA.

  • Progress Tracking: The study will use functional MRI (fMRI) scans to monitor neurological changes and standardised psychological questionnaires to assess mental health, mood, and overall wellbeing throughout the treatment period.

This research builds on a substantial body of international evidence suggesting HBOT can address the neurological underpinnings of PTSD. Dr Bradley’s trial is among the first of its kind in Australia, aiming to provide locally relevant data to inform future treatment options for the Defence community.

Inclusion and exclusion criteria apply. Prospective participants will receive full details upon registering their interest.

About Dr Nick Bradley

Dr Nick Bradley is a registered osteopath, published author, and emerging researcher in the field of hyperbaric oxygen therapy. He holds a Bachelor of Clinical Studies and a Master of Osteopathic Medicine, and has completed advanced training in hyperbaric medicine, including:

  • Hyperbaric Medicine Team Training with International ATMO

  • Functional Medicine Hyperbaric Clinician certification with the International Board of Undersea Medicine (IBUM)

Dr Bradley owns and operates a hyperbaric oxygen therapy clinic on the Gold Coast and is currently completing a PhD at Bond University. His doctoral research focuses on HBOT for Australian veterans with PTSD, building on the growing international research in this field. Dr Bradley’s unique combination of clinical and research expertise positions him to bridge the gap between scientific evidence and real-world care for veterans.

How to Participate

Are you an ex-serving member of the Australian Defence Force diagnosed with PTSD? You may be eligible to participate in this important study.

To register your interest:

A member of the research team will contact you with further information, including full eligibility criteria and next steps.

For further enquiries, please reach out via the registration form above.

Jacqui Van de Velde
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Healing Beyond the Surface: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for PTSD in Australian Veterans