What Researchers Did
Researchers investigated whether 40 sessions of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) could improve selected psychosomatic parameters in 39 children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
What They Found
Statistically significant improvements were observed in eight components of the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC) and Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), as well as the CARS total score. Specific improvements were noted in younger children for sociability, imagination, and sound sensitivity, and in older children for obsessive speech and emotional response. However, one item, "Can follow some commands" from ATEC Speech/language/communication, showed a decline (p = 0.0431).
What This Means for Canadian Patients
This study suggests that hyperbaric oxygen therapy might offer some improvements in specific areas for children with ASD, such as sociability and sensory awareness. However, the therapy also showed a decline in the ability to follow some commands, indicating a need for careful consideration and further research before widespread adoption.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection.
Study Limitations
The study's findings are limited by its small sample size of 39 children and the absence of a control group.