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Neuropsychological effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in cerebral palsy
Paule Hardy1, Jean-Paul Collet, Joanne Goldberg
1Groupe de Recherche en Neuropsychologie Expérimentale, Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada.
Insights
Hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBO2) did not show cognitive benefits for children with cerebral palsy (CP) compared to sham treatment. Both groups improved in attention and memory, with no significant differences between HBO2 and placebo interventions.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
- Hyperbaric Medicine
Background:
- Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of disorders affecting movement and posture, often accompanied by cognitive impairments.
- Hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBO2), involving exposure to increased atmospheric pressure and oxygen, has been explored for various neurological conditions.
- Investigating non-pharmacological interventions like HBO2 is crucial for improving the quality of life for children with CP.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBO2) in enhancing cognitive functions in children diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP).
- To compare the effects of active HBO2 therapy versus a sham (placebo) treatment on neuropsychological outcomes in pediatric CP patients.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 75 children (aged 4-12 years) with CP suitable for testing.
- Participants received 40 sessions of either HBO2 (100% oxygen at 1.75 ATA) or sham treatment (air at 1.3 ATA) over two months.
- Neuropsychological assessments included attention, working memory, processing speed, and psychosocial functioning, with follow-up at 3 months.
Main Results:
- Both HBO2 and sham groups demonstrated significant improvements in self-control, auditory attention, and visual working memory from baseline.
- No statistically significant differences in cognitive improvements were observed between the active HBO2 group and the sham treatment group.
- The sham group showed greater improvements on the Conners' Parent Rating Scale (8 dimensions) compared to the HBO2 group (1 dimension).
- Observed improvements in attention and memory were sustained for 3 months post-treatment in both groups.
- No cognitive enhancements were noted for verbal span, visual attention, or processing speed in either treatment arm.
Conclusions:
- Hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBO2) does not appear to offer superior cognitive benefits over sham treatment for children with cerebral palsy (CP).
- The observed improvements in certain cognitive domains may be attributed to placebo effects or natural progression, rather than specific effects of HBO2.
- Further research is needed to explore alternative or adjunctive therapies for cognitive deficits associated with cerebral palsy.
Abstract:
We conducted a double-blind placebo study to investigate the claim that hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBO2) improves the cognitive status of children with cerebral palsy (CP). Of 111 children diagnosed with CP (aged 4 to 12 years), only 75 were suitable for neuropsychological testing, assessing attention, working memory, processing speed, and psychosocial functioning. The children received 40 sessions of HBO2 or sham treatment over a 2-month period. Children in the active treatment group were exposed for 1 hour to 100% oxygen at 1.75 atmospheres absolute (ATA), whereas those in the sham group received only air at 1.3 ATA. Children in both groups showed better self-control and significant improvements in auditory attention and visual working memory compared with the baseline. However, no statistical difference was found between the two treatments. Furthermore, the sham group improved significantly on eight dimensions of the Conners' Parent Rating Scale, whereas the active treatment group improved only on one dimension. Most of these positive changes persisted for 3 months. No improvements were observed in either group for verbal span, visual attention, or processing speed.