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

Recruiting now · Not applicable

Conditions studied: Spinal Cord Injuries

In brief

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.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT02323945

Run by

Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital

People needed

44

Starts

2014-10-01

Expected to finish

2027-11-01

Last updated by the study team

2026-03-20

Who can join

Age: 18 and older, up to 75. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: accepted.

You may qualify if…

• 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

You may not qualify if…

• 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

Where it is running

• Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital — Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States (enrolling)

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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