What Researchers Did
Researchers conducted a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled feasibility trial involving 60 male active-duty marines with postconcussion syndrome to evaluate the effects of hyperbaric oxygen on psychomotor and cognitive performance.
What They Found
The study found no significant differences in psychomotor (balance and fine motor) or cognitive performance among the three groups (Sham Air, 1.5 ATAO2, 2.0 ATAO2) one week after 40 hyperbaric oxygen sessions. Despite analyzing multiple sensitive cognitive and psychomotor measures in 60 participants, no significant improvements were observed in any of the tested outcomes.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
This study suggests that hyperbaric oxygen therapy, as administered in this trial, may not offer significant benefits for Canadian patients experiencing postconcussion syndrome after mild traumatic brain injury. Patients should be aware that current evidence from this trial does not support its use for improving cognitive or psychomotor outcomes in this condition.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection.
Study Limitations
A limitation is that this was a feasibility trial, potentially not powered for efficacy, and the study population was specific to male active-duty marines.