Hyperbaric Oxygen and Manipulative Therapies to Regain Function Post Stroke

Oxygenating the Potential: Hyperbaric Oxygen and Manipulative Therapies to Regain Function in Stroke Survivors

To study safety, feasibility and outcomes of combining osteopathic manipulative therapies with hyperbaric oxygen therapy in reducing the functional deficits in stroke survivors in subacute and chronic phases post ischemic stroke. To document the same as part of a pilot project in anticipation of further investigational studies.

The primary objective of this study is to show that hyperbaric oxygen therapy combined with osteopathic manipulative therapies improve outcomes in patients who have persistent neurological deficits after ischemic stroke compared to historical norms.

The secondary objectives of this study is to demonstrate safety and feasibility of treating patients post stroke with hyperbaric oxygen and osteopathic therapies as well as determine improvements in multiple assessment scales of motor function, depression, activities of daily living(ADL) and pain

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Post Ischemic stroke
2. Patients aged 18-80
3. NIHSS >5
4. mRS>/=3, which connotes moderate disability requiring some help.
5. Persistent significant motor dysfunction of at least one arm
6. Subacute stroke patients (within three months from time of stroke)
7. Chronic stroke patients (more than 6months from time of stroke)
8. Patient must be able to understand instructions and verbalize discomfort
9. Reliable attendance for daily (M-F) HBOT treatment and 2x/week OMT sessions for up to 6weeks

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Hemorrhagic stroke
2. Prior functional disability mRS >1
3. Expressive or receptive aphasia
4. Bedbound patients due to lifting limitations for HBOT
5. History of severe, advanced emphysema with bullous disease
6. Prior history of spontaneous pneumothorax or chest surgery
7. Prior history of depression requiring medications
8. Pregnancy
9. Concomitant non-conventional rehab therapies including: acupuncture, botulinum toxin injections, massage therapy
10. Significant claustrophobia