Hyperbaric Oxygenation (HBOT)
as an Adjuvant in Rehabilitation Therapies & Sports Medicine
(excerpts
from Textbook of Hyperbaric Medicine / KK Jain)
Physical therapy is an
essential part of any rehabilitation program regarding many chronic conditions
as well as many neurological disabilities. Rehabilitation is a multidisciplinary
approach to aid the functional recovery of patients and their integration
into society. It's importance is large in all aspects of medicine and
particularly so in neurological disorders where rehabilitation becomes
not only physical but also psychological and (neuropsychology) techniques
to help reprogram brain function.
The addition of HBOT
into existing rehabilitation programs has shown a wide range of clinical
benefits.
ROLE
OF HBOT IN REHABILITATION
The conditions in which
HBOT has been found to be a useful adjunct to rehabilitation are:
ADVANTAGES
OF ADDING HBOT (1.5 ATA)
Biochemical Improvement
HBOT helps to reduce excess concentrations of lactate, pyruvate, and
ammonia, particularly in older people, which are detrimental to fitness
and contribute to fatigue. Exercise typically causes significant increase
in these substances.
Increase of capacity
for strenuous exercise
HBOT allows for this ability during rehab, this is of great importance
in the rehabilitation heart disease patients, for the treatment of mild
hypertension and for lowering blood lipids.
HBOT's
role in Stroke Rehabilitation
 |
Activates
dormant neurons in the penumbra zone. |
|
Relieves
spasticity |
|
Facilitates
movements |
|
Improves
motor power |
|
Reduces
stroke recurrences |
|
Increases
physical and mental exercise capacity |
HBOT's
role in Head Injury Rehabilitation
|
Decreases
cerebral edema in acute stage |
|
Decreases
spasticity |
|
Accelerates
recovery |
|
Improves
cognitive function recovery in combination with brain jogging
|
|
Relieves
post-traumatic headaches |
HBOT's
role in Paraplegia Rehabilitation
|
Relieves
spasticity |
|
Improves
vital capacity |
|
Increases
exercise capacity |
|
Decreases
hyperammonemia resulting from exhaustive exercise. |
HBOT's
role in Myocardial Ischemia
|
Improves
exercise capacity |
|
Prevents
recurrence of ischemic episodes |
|
Decreases
BP in hypertensives |
|
Long-term
use reverses atherosclerosis |
Benefits
of Exercise Under HBOT in Patients with Ischemic Leg Pain
|
Increases
painless exercise capacity |
|
Relieves
pain both at rest and on activity |
|
Reduces
biochemical disturbances resulting from exercise of ischemic muscles
|
|
Counteracts
the vasoconstriction effect of HBO |
|
Improvement
is maintained after cessation of HBOT when the ceiling effect is
reached |
Benefits
of HBOT in Sports Injuries
|
Reduces
swelling and pain in acute stage |
|
Speeds
up recovery and return to active training |
|
Improves
fracture healing |
|
Aids
recovery from exhaustion and collapse |
The above material
referenced from Textbook of Hyperbaric Medicine - KK Jain
|
