What Researchers Did
Researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 11 randomized controlled trials involving 875 participants to evaluate the effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on motor function, sensory function, and psychology in patients with spinal cord injury.
What They Found
The meta-analysis of 11 studies with 875 participants found that hyperbaric oxygen therapy significantly improved the ASIA motor score (mean difference 15.84, 95% CI 9.04 to 22.64). It also statistically promoted the ASIA sensory score (mean difference 66.30, 95% CI 53.44 to 79.16).
What This Means for Canadian Patients
For Canadian patients with spinal cord injury, these findings suggest that hyperbaric oxygen therapy could potentially lead to improvements in motor and sensory function. This may contribute to enhanced recovery and a better quality of life following their injury.
Canadian Relevance
This study does not have a direct Canadian connection.
Study Limitations
A significant limitation of this meta-analysis was the high heterogeneity observed across the included studies for both motor (I2=87%) and sensory (I2=95%) outcomes.