Clinical observation of hyperbaric oxygen treatment for de-acclimatization to high altitude for people above 5000 m altitude

Objective: To evaluate the effect of hyperbaric oxygen treatment for de-acclimatization to high altitude,and provide evidence for the standard treatment programs.Methods: Fifty-five male soldiers who had lived at 5 000m altitude for one year were randomly divided into 3 groups,the treatment group I(n = 20,received hyperbaric oxygen treatment once a day for 10 consecutive days);the treatment group II(n = 20,received hyperbaric oxygen treatment every other day,for 10 days);the control group(n = 15,no treatment).The symptoms of de-acclimatization to high altitude was observed before trentment,5 days and 10 days after treatment.Results: The incidence and the symptom score of de-acclimatization to high altitude in the group I and II were significantly lower than those of the control group after 10 days treatment(P 0.01).Compared with pretherapy,the incidence and the symptom score of de-acclimatization were all reduced significantly after 5 and 10 days treatment(P 0.01).There was no difference between group I and group II(P 0.05).Conclusion: Hyperbaric oxygen treatment for de-acclimatization to high altitude is effective,and the every other day for 10 days trentment program is better considering practicability and economy.