This trial is recruiting individuals with chronic incomplete spinal cord injuries to study how repeatedly breathing air with low oxygen (intermittent hypoxia therapy; IHT) enhances motor function and spinal plasticity (strengthening of nerve pathways). ITH will be done in combination with training to improve walking. Participants will breathe short periods of air with low oxygen through a face mask in combination with 30 minutes of walking training or 30 minutes of strength training only; each participant will receive both walking or strength training, but the investigator will not know the order of treatments. DNA will be taken from a saliva sample at the first visit and analyzed for a protein marker that may predict response to IHT. The study will measure walking endurance and muscle strength.
Ischemia
Traumatic
Non-traumatic
Type
Details
Repeatedly breathing short periods of air with low oxygen content (intermittent hypoxia) through a face mask in combination with: 30 minutes of walking training consisting of 5 repetitions of 6-minute walks or 30 minutes of strength training consisting of 3 sets of ankle movement exercises of 10 repetitions. DNA will be taken from a saliva sample at the first visit and analyzed for a protein that may predict if they will respond to intermittent hypoxia.
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