Low-pressure hyperbaric oxygen treatment helps women with fibromyalgia

This study was used to evaluate the effects of low-pressure hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) on fatigue, pain, endurance and functional capacity, physical performance, and cortical excitability when compared with a physical exercise program in women with fibromyalgia.

The hyperbaric protocol used was a 2-month course of daily 90 minute sessions (5 days per week for a total of 40 hours) at 1.45 ATA. During this time period, 60 minutes of low-intensity exercises, twice-weekly (for a total of 16 sessions), were included in the protocol. This group of participants showed improvements in pressure pain threshold, endurance, and functional capacity, as well as physical performance. In addition, the HBOT group reported significant improvements in induced fatigue and perceived pain at rest. <view study>