Effects of Breathing Mild Bouts of Low Oxygen on Limb Mobility After Spinal Injury

Description

Accumulating evidence suggests that repeatedly breathing low oxygen levels for brief periods (termed intermittent hypoxia) is a safe and effective treatment strategy to promote meaningful functional recovery in persons with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI). The goal of the study is to understand the mechanisms by which intermittent hypoxia enhances motor function and spinal plasticity (ability of the nervous system to strengthen neural pathways based on new experiences) following SCI.

Conditions

Spinal Cord Injuries

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Study Overview

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Study Details

Study overview

Accumulating evidence suggests that repeatedly breathing low oxygen levels for brief periods (termed intermittent hypoxia) is a safe and effective treatment strategy to promote meaningful functional recovery in persons with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI). The goal of the study is to understand the mechanisms by which intermittent hypoxia enhances motor function and spinal plasticity (ability of the nervous system to strengthen neural pathways based on new experiences) following SCI.

Mechanisms of Intermittent Hypoxia-induced Motor Recovery in Persons With SCI

Effects of Breathing Mild Bouts of Low Oxygen on Limb Mobility After Spinal Injury

Condition
Spinal Cord Injuries
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Cambridge

Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States, 02138

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • * Age 18 and 75 years (the latter to reduce likelihood of heart disease)
  • * Medical clearance to participate
  • * Lesion at or below C2 and above T12 with non-progressive etiology
  • * Classified as motor-incomplete with visible volitional leg movement
  • * Injury greater than 1 year
  • * Concurrent severe medical illness (i.e., infection, cardiovascular disease, ossification, recurrent autonomic dysreflexia, unhealed decubiti, and history of pulmonary complications)
  • * Pregnant women because of the unknown affects of AIH on pregnant women and fetus
  • * History of seizures, brain injury, and/or epilepsy
  • * Undergoing concurrent physical therapy
  • * Diabetes
  • * Cirrhosis
  • * Caffeine and/or NSAID allergies or intolerances

Ages Eligible for Study

18 Years to 75 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Collaborators and Investigators

Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital,

Randy D Trumbower, PT, PhD, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, Harvard Medical School (HMS and HSDM)

Study Record Dates

2024-05