Abstract and Methodology:
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates the efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) for non-motor symptoms (e.g., anxiety, depression, cognitive impairment, sleep disorders, swallowing disorders) in patients with Parkinson's disease. Databases including PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase were searched up to December 1, 2024. The analysis included 16 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and pre-post control studies with a total of 1,324 participants. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool; meta-analyses were performed with Review Manager 5.3, and sensitivity analyses with Stata 15.0. HBOT protocols varied significantly across studies (e.g., pressure, duration).
Key Findings and Results:
Significant Improvements: HBOT led to marked reductions in anxiety (Hamilton Anxiety Scale) and depression scores (Hamilton Depression Scale) compared to baseline (both p < 0.05).
Further Effects: Improvements were noted in cognitive tests (Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Mini-Mental State Examination), sleep scales (Parkinson's Disease Sleep Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), swallowing function (Kubota's Drinking Water Test), and motor function (Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale III). Compared to controls, sleep efficiency and total sleep time increased significantly (all p < 0.05).
Effect Sizes: While not explicitly quantified in the abstract, clinically relevant improvements were observed across all non-motor domains.
Safety: No serious side effects were reported; HBOT is considered safe.
Conclusions: HBOT effectively alleviates non-motor symptoms such as anxiety, depression, cognitive deficits, sleep disturbances, and swallowing dysfunction in Parkinson's patients, while also improving motor function. Due to varying protocols, further prospective RCTs with standardized methodology are recommended to strengthen the evidence base.
Limitations: Heterogeneity of HBOT protocols; potential publication bias; limited long-term data. This study highlights the potential of HBOT as a complementary therapy for Parkinson's and adds to the growing evidence regarding neurological applications. For the full text: PubMed-Link.
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