What Researchers Did
Researchers conducted a narrative review, analyzing 45 publications from major databases to outline the mechanisms and potential benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) for fibromyalgia patients.
What They Found
The review found that most of the 45 analyzed studies were observational, with few randomized trials. It supported the hypothesis that reduced oxygen availability contributes to muscle degeneration in fibromyalgia patients. Based on the compiled literature, repeated exposure to hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be a promising therapeutic adjunct for fibromyalgia patients.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
For Canadian patients with fibromyalgia, hyperbaric oxygen therapy could be a promising adjunctive treatment option to consider as part of a multidisciplinary care plan. However, it is important to note that more research is needed to determine optimal dosing and long-term efficacy.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection.
Study Limitations
The review highlighted that most analyzed studies were observational, and more large-scale controlled trials are needed to determine the optimal dose, duration, and economic cost of HBO therapy for fibromyalgia.