The study shows that the hyperbaric chamber can improve the sociability and brain status of autistic people
A study conducted by researchers from Tel Aviv University and published inInternational Journal of Molecular Sciencesdemonstrated significant improvement in social skills and brain status in autistic people with hyperbaric chamber (pressure chamber) therapy.
The researchers identified changes in the brains of the animals involved in the study, including a reduction in neuroinflammation, known to be associated with autism. Furthermore, a significant improvement in the social functioning of the animals treated in the hyperbaric chamber was observed.
The success of the study promises a better understanding of autism and the future applicability of the treatment to humans.
The research was conducted under the direction of PhD student Inbar Fischer, of Dr. Boaz Barak’s laboratory at the Sagol School of Neuroscience and the Tel Aviv School of Psychological Sciences.
Doctors Inbar Fischer and Boaz Barak explained that hyperbaric medicine is a therapy in which patients are treated in special chambers where the pressure is higher than we know. Additionally, patients are below 100% oxygen when taking place in the chamber.
Hyperbaric medicine is considered safe and is already used to treat a long list of conditions. In recent years, scientific evidence has accumulated to show that unique protocols of hyperbaric treatments improve the blood and oxygen supply to the brain, thereby improving brain function.
“The mutation in animal models is identical to that which exists in humans. Therefore, our research is likely to have clinical implications for the improvement of the autism that results from this genetic mutation, and possibly for autism from other causes as well. “said Inbar Fischer.
“Hyperbaric chamber treatment is non-intrusive and our encouraging results show that this treatment can improve these behavioral and neurological aspects in humans as well.”
