This trial is enrolling 20 participants with chronic spinal cord injury to test the combined effect of transcutaneous spinal stimulation (tSS) and acute intermittent hypercapnic-hypoxia (HiCO₂-AIH) on breathing function. tSS is a non-invasive technique that uses surface electrodes to deliver electrical stimulation aimed at modifying spinal cord function. HiCO₂-AIH is an intervention to test the effect on respiratory function as a result of repeatedly breathing air with low oxygen content and elevated carbon dioxide (CO₂) for brief periods, alternating with breathing room air with normal oxygen content. If included, participants will complete 4 treatment rounds in random order, each consisting of 4 consecutive days of therapy separated by 3-week breaks. These treatments are: 1) HiCO2-AIH + tSCS; 2) HiCO2-AIH + sham tSCS; 3) sham HiCO2-AIH + tSCS; and 4) sham HiCO2-AIH + sham tSCS. Final testing of breathing function will be performed after around 15 weeks.
Type
Details
- Participants will undergo combinations of transcutaneous spinal stimulation (tSS) paired with respiratory exercises, and acute intermittent hypercapnic-hypoxia (HiCO₂-AIH). - tSS is a non-invasive technique that uses surface electrodes to deliver electrical stimulation aimed at modifying spinal cord function. - HiCO₂-AIH is an intervention to test the effect on plasticity resulting from repeatedly breathing air with low oxygen content and elevated carbon dioxide (CO₂) for brief periods, alternating with breathing room air with normal oxygen content. - Participants will complete 4 treatment rounds in random order, each consisting of 4 consecutive days of therapy separated by 3-week breaks. These treatments are: 1) HiCO₂-AIH + tSS, 2) HiCO2-AIH + sham tSCS, 3) sham HiCO2-AIH + tSCS, and 4) sham HiCO2-AIH + sham tSCS. - Final testing of breathing function will be performed after around 15 weeks.
Main benefits
General health
Additional benefits
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