What Researchers Did
This article reviewed the historical development and fluctuating acceptance of hyperbaric oxygen therapy over nearly two centuries.
What They Found
Hyperbaric medicine began in the 1830s, experiencing initial enthusiasm followed by a decline due to lack of documented benefit. A resurgence in the 1900s also waned, but interest has reemerged in the past 15 to 20 years with better documentation of its uses.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection.
Study Limitations
This review is limited by its historical scope, not presenting new clinical data or specific treatment outcomes.