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

Mechanisms of Intermittent Hypoxia-induced Motor Recovery in Persons With SCI

Who can join

Ages 18 to 75 · All sexes · Healthy volunteers welcome

Inclusion Criteria:

* 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

Exclusion Criteria:

* 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

About the study

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.

What is being tested

• AIH (other)
• Walk (other)
• Strength (other)

Sponsor: Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital · Participants: 44 · Started: 2014-10

Contact the study team

• Randy D Trumbower, PT, PhD · Phone: 617-952-6951
• Stella Barth, BA · Phone: 617-952-6822

Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT02323945

Locations in the U.S.

Conditions

• Spinal Cord Injuries

From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Oct 2, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.