What Researchers Did
Researchers conducted a prospective, single-blind controlled trial to evaluate the effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on motor and cognitive function in 26 patients with cerebrovascular disease, frontal leukoaraiosis, and lacunar infarcts.
What They Found
The hyperbaric oxygen group (n=18) showed statistically significant improvement in all motor and cognitive function scales compared to the control group (n=8) (p<0.05). This neurological improvement persisted in the majority of patients for up to 6 months, and symptoms improved again upon retreatment in 9 patients.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
This study suggests that hyperbaric oxygen therapy could potentially improve neurological function in a specific group of patients with cerebrovascular disease. However, more research is needed before this therapy can be widely recommended for Canadian patients.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection as it was not conducted in Canada, nor does it involve Canadian researchers or patients.
Study Limitations
The study was limited by its small sample size and the fact that investigators were not blinded to the treatment groups.