Research
Oxygenating Voices: Hyperbaric Therapy for Speech-Language Recovery
Principal Investigator
Sharon DiFino, PhD CCC-SLP
Department
Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences
Lab
Bilingual Language Access and Outcomes
University of Florida
Gainesville
Focus
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The research project focuses on the effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) as a treatment for recovery from traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and strokes, which are among the most burdensome neurological disorders in the U.S. The study aims to explore how HBOT can improve brain health and enhance cognitive, speech, language, and motor functions by addressing issues such as disrupted blood flow and impaired neuronal communication.
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By investigating the potential benefits of combining HBOT with traditional speech-language therapy, the project seeks to highlight the need for further research into personalized treatment protocols that could optimize recovery outcomes for individuals with neurological conditions.
Background
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The meta-analysis is grounded in the growing body of research that suggests HBOT can stimulate neuroplasticity and promote brain healing by improving blood circulation and reducing inflammation. These physiological changes are hypothesized to create an environment conducive to the recovery of cognitive, speech, and language functions.
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By concentrating on the assessment of speech and language outcomes, this meta-analysis contributes to the understanding of how HBOT can specifically impact these crucial aspects of communication and quality of life for individuals with neurological disorders.
Responsibilities
2024-2025
For this project, my main responsibilities were to thoroughly review the research literature and combine the findings from various randomized control trials that looked at how well HBOT works for treating TBIs and strokes. I carefully analyzed the methods and results of each study, focusing especially on how speech and language skills improved after treatment.
Going through this process helped me get better at meta-analysis techniques and understand the statistical analysis tools used in research. This project gave me a stronger base in research methods and a clearer view of how new treatments could potentially be used in the real world of clinical practice.
