What Researchers Did
Researchers conducted a randomized controlled study to evaluate the effect of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy on fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) in 50 patients.
What They Found
The hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) group (n=26) showed a significant reduction in tender points and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, and a significant increase in pain threshold after the first and fifteenth therapy sessions. Compared to the control group (n=24), the HBO group demonstrated significant improvements in all parameters except VAS scores after the first session.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy may offer a new treatment option for Canadian patients suffering from fibromyalgia syndrome, potentially reducing pain and improving pain thresholds. This could provide relief for individuals who have not found sufficient benefit from existing therapies.
Canadian Relevance
This study was not conducted in Canada and does not have a direct Canadian connection.
Study Limitations
The study's relatively small sample size and short follow-up period may limit the generalizability and long-term understanding of the treatment's effects.