Finding the Best Dose of Acute Intermittent Hypoxia to Improve Leg Strength and Response in People with Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating how different doses of acute intermittent hypoxia AIH affect lower-limb strength, reaction time, and responsiveness in people with chronic spinal cord injury SCI. The study aims to find the dose that best improves motor function while also exploring factors that may cause differences in individual responses. Participants receive three types of interventions in a randomized crossover design sham AIH with room air, AIH with 15 bouts of one-minute lowered oxygen 9% O2, and AIH with 23 bouts of one-minute lowered oxygen. During each intervention, participants wear a fitted mask delivering either room air or reduced oxygen, with alternating periods of hypoxia and normal air. Each participant undergoes all interventions in different orders across visits. Throughout the study, participants ankle strength and lower limb reaction times are measured immediately after each intervention. Oxygen saturation and ventilatory responses are monitored during treatments. The study takes place over several visits, and researchers track safety and response variability. The trial will conclude by July 2028, with primary outcomes assessed by July 2027.

Dose Optimization Study of Acute Intermittent Hypoxia in Spinal Cord Injury