What Researchers Did
In a placebo-controlled, double-blind trial, researchers compared hyperbaric oxygen therapy with normal air for 20 daily sessions in 120 patients with chronic multiple sclerosis.
What They Found
No patients in either the hyperbaric oxygen or control group showed improvement on the Kurtzke disability status scale. However, 12 of 51 (23.5%) patients receiving hyperbaric oxygen and 3 of 47 (6.4%) control patients improved on the subjective bowel/bladder parameter of the Kurtzke functional systems scale.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
This study suggests that hyperbaric oxygen therapy may not significantly improve overall disability in chronic multiple sclerosis. While some patients experienced minor improvements in bladder/bowel symptoms, these effects can often be achieved with standard medications.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection as it was conducted outside of Canada.
Study Limitations
A key limitation is that the study only reported short-term results, not assessing long-term effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy.