This trial is enrolling 60 individuals with chronic spinal cord injury to test the effect of acute intermittent hypoxia (AIH) combined with skin-surface (transcutaneous) spinal stimulation (tSCS) and walking training on walking function. AIH is an intervention that may affect nerve plasticity by alternating breathing air with low oxygen content for brief periods with breathing room air with normal oxygen content. tSCS is a technique for stimulating the spinal via surface electrodes to modify spinal cord function. If included, participants will undergo 16 sessions over 4 weeks of either daily AIH followed by 45 minutes of gait training paired with tSCS, or sham AIH followed by the same gait training and SCS protocols. Final testing of walking function will be performed after 14 weeks.
Type
Details
- Participants will undergo 16 sessions over 4 weeks of either daily acute intermittent hypoxia (AIH) followed by 45 minutes of gait training paired with transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (SCS), or sham AIH followed by the same gait training and SCS protocol. - AIH is an intervention to test the effect on plasticity resulting from repeatedly breathing air with low oxygen content for brief periods, alternating with breathing room air with normal oxygen content. - SCS is a technique for stimulating the spinal cord via surface stimulation to modify spinal cord function. - Final testing of walking function will be performed after 14 weeks.
Main benefits
Standing/walking/mobility
Additional benefits
Bladder health/function
Bowel health
General health
Pain
Spasticity
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