This study is recruiting people with chronic incomplete spinal cord injuries to test how breathing air with low oxygen alternated with normal room air (acute intermittent hypoxia; AIH) improves leg function. Repetitive exposure to mild hypoxia may have benefits for spinal cord recovery, including protein synthesis and modified nerve circuitry to improve breathing, leg strength and walking. Participants will either breathe short periods of low oxygen or room air, through a face mask, 3 times per week; neither participant nor investigator will know the order of the treatments. After each treatment, testing will assess walking and leg strength, and safety.
Ischemia
Traumatic
Non-traumatic
Type
Details
For the first 2 weeks: 5 sessions a week of 38 minutes of either 1) repeatedly breathing air with low oxygen content for brief periods, alternating with breathing room air with normal oxygen content (AIH) or 2) sham AIH. For the next 2 weeks: 5 sessions a week of 38 minutes of either 1) repeatedly breathing air with low oxygen content for brief periods, alternating with breathing room air with normal oxygen content (AIH) or 2) sham AIH (depending on what they receive in the previous weeks). Tests for walking endurance and speed after 5 days, and 1, 2, and 4 weeks after each intervention.
Main benefits
Standing/walking/mobility
Additional benefits
General health
Good to know: Potential benefits are defined as outcomes that are being measured during and/or after the trial.
Wings for Life has proudly initiated, led and funded the new version of the SCI Trials Finder website. Wings for Life aims to find a cure for spinal cord injuries. The not-for-profit foundation funds world-class scientific research and clinical trials around the globe.
Learn moreWings for Life has proudly initiated, led and funded the new version of the SCI Trials Finder website. Wings for Life aims to find a cure for spinal cord injuries. The not-for-profit foundation funds world-class scientific research and clinical trials around the globe.
Learn more