Hyperbaric oxygen in multiple sclerosis: a double blind trial. | Canada Hyperbarics Skip to main content
Clinical Study British medical journal (Clinical research ed.) 1986

Hyperbaric oxygen in multiple sclerosis: a double blind trial.

Wiles CM, Clarke CR, Irwin HP, Edgar EF, Swan AV — British medical journal (Clinical research ed.), 1986

Tier 2, Indexed

Automatically imported from PubMed based on relevance criteria.

Summary

What Researchers Did

Researchers conducted a double-blind trial on 84 multiple sclerosis patients, treating them with either hyperbaric oxygen at 2 atmospheres absolute or a placebo.

What They Found

The study found no clinically important or significant benefit in any of the four major outcome criteria, including patient opinion, examiner opinion, Kurtzke disability status scale score, or 50-meter walk time. Out of 40 other clinical variables assessed, only two (sensory scale and timed writing with the left hand) showed significant improvement, but without subjective clinical correlation.

Canadian Relevance

This study has no direct Canadian connection.

Study Limitations

A limitation of this study is the relatively short follow-up period of one month after treatment.

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Study Details

Study Type Clinical Study
Category Neurological
Source Pubmed
PubMed ID 3080173
Year Published 1986
Journal British medical journal (Clinical research ed.)
MeSH Terms Adult; Disability Evaluation; Double-Blind Method; Female; Humans; Hyperbaric Oxygenation; Male; Middle Aged; Multiple Sclerosis; Prognosis

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Disclaimer: This study summary is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. The information presented reflects the findings of the original research authors and may not represent the views of Canada Hyperbarics. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making treatment decisions.

Last reviewed: April 2, 2026 | Reviewed by: Canada Hyperbarics Editorial Team | Editorial process | Research sources | Counts & methodology