Summary of Study
The study titled “Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Can Diminish Fibromyalgia Syndrome – Prospective Clinical Trial” explored how hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) affects fibromyalgia. This condition causes widespread pain, fatigue, and cognitive challenges, severely impacting the quality of life. Researchers aimed to discover if hyperbaric oxygen therapy could reduce symptoms and improve brain function. The primary question was whether HBOT could bring lasting relief to patients by rectifying abnormal brain activity associated with fibromyalgia.
Methodology
This clinical trial involved 60 female fibromyalgia patients aged 21 to 67, diagnosed at least two years prior. Participants were divided into two groups: one received HBOT immediately, and the other served as a control before crossing over to treatment. Each patient underwent 40 hyperbaric oxygen treatments, conducted over two months, five days a week. Each session lasted 90 minutes with 100% oxygen at 2ATA (atmospheric pressure). Evaluations included physical examinations, pain assessments, quality of life questionnaires, and brain activity imaging using SPECT scans.
Results
After undergoing hyperbaric therapy, participants showed significant improvements in pain levels, quality of life, and brain function. The number of tender points decreased, and pain thresholds increased, indicating reduced sensitivity to touch. SPECT imaging revealed better brain activity in areas associated with pain processing. Patients in the control group showed no improvement until they received HBOT. Overall, HBOT provided substantial relief, allowing many participants to reduce or stop pain medication.
Conclusion
This study highlights the potential of hyperbaric oxygen therapy to alleviate fibromyalgia symptoms and improve brain health. HBOT not only reduced pain but also enhanced the quality of life for participants. While further research is needed to confirm these findings, this treatment offers hope for those struggling with this challenging condition. Hyperbaric treatment could become a valuable tool in managing fibromyalgia, offering a non-invasive and effective option for patients.
Source: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Can Diminish Fibromyalgia Syndrome – Prospective Clinical Trial | Shai Efrati, Haim Golan, Yair Bechor, Yifat Faran, Shir Daphna-Tekoah, Gal Sekler, Gregori Fishlev, Jacob N. Ablin, Jacob Bergan, Olga Volkov, Mony Friedman, Eshel Ben-Jacob, Dan Buskila | DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0127012
