Evaluating Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Treating Persistent Depression After Stroke in Adults Aged 50 to 85

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating hyperbaric oxygen therapy HBOT for patients experiencing persistent symptoms of post stroke depression PSD, a common condition affecting about one-third of stroke survivors. PSD can slow recovery from stroke-related motor and cognitive problems and increase the risk of further brain events. This study aims to assess HBOTs effect on depression in these patients through a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled design. Participants will receive either HBOT or a sham treatment over 60 daily sessions, five times a week for three months. Each HBOT session involves breathing 100% oxygen at increased pressure for 90 minutes with periodic air breaks. The sham group experiences similar conditions but breathes normal air at lower pressure to mimic the treatment experience. After treatment, participants enter a three-month follow-up period without intervention. During the study, participants will undergo various assessments including depression scales, cognitive tests, brain imaging MRI and fMRI, neurological evaluations, and inflammatory markers. These measurements will be taken before, immediately after the intervention, and at several points during follow-up to monitor changes. The primary outcome focuses on changes in PSD symptoms immediately after treatment, with safety and quality of life also carefully tracked throughout the study period.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Persistent Post Stroke Depression