Effects of hyperbaric oxygenation on prosthetic rehabilitation of patients with unilateral lower limb amputation

Objective. Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) has been widely used in people with diseases that cause limb amputation but studies that target patients who underwent amputation itself are rare. The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of HBO on prosthetic rehabilitation in patients with unilateral lower limb amputation. Methods. The study included 60 patients with unilateral (left or right side) lower limb amputation, mean age 61.6 ± 11.5 years, of both genders. They were divided into two groups, the experimental group (with HBO) and the control group (usual care). Patients' functional skills after amputation were evaluated using the LCI test (Locomotor Capabilities Index) and with the classification of Narang and Pohjolainen. Results. Clinical characteristics of patients had relatively homogeneous distribution. After the therapy, a control measurement of both groups showed significantly higher values for LCI test (p <0.01) and lower values for Narang score (p <0.01). However, improvements were more prominent in the group of patients who underwent HBO therapy, therefore, these subjects in the control measurements were evaluated with a statistically significant lower Narang score (p <0.05) and had higher LCI score than the control group patients. Conclusion. HBO is a useful therapeutic measure in the rehabilitation of people with limb amputation who use prosthetic limbs.