Actively Recruiting
Investigating the Effects of Acute Intermittent Hypoxia on Neuroplasticity in Persons With Multiple Sclerosis
Led by Shirley Ryan AbilityLab · Updated on 2026-02-23
22
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
52 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
S
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
Lead Sponsor
N
National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are studying how a breathing technique called Acute Intermittent Hypoxia (AIH) affects nerve pathways and arm function in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). This study aims to understand how AIH influences the brain and spinal cord by measuring muscle responses and signals sent from the brain to the arm muscles. Previous research suggests AIH can safely increase muscle strength, especially in the ankle, and this study focuses on arm and hand function. Participants will receive two sessions of AIH or Sham AIH, with sessions separated by one-week breaks. AIH involves breathing low oxygen air for short periods alternating with normal air, while Sham AIH uses air similar to normal oxygen levels. Both interventions are delivered using a special face mask, with monitoring of blood oxygen and heart rate throughout. The study uses a randomized, double-blind design where participants receive both interventions in different orders with washout periods. During the study, participants will have tests before, immediately after, and 60 minutes after each intervention. These include measuring muscle responses, spinal reflex thresholds, joint movement detection, grip and pinch strength, finger force, dexterity tests, cognitive tests, muscle tone, pain levels, and joint position matching. The study will monitor safety and changes in arm function to better understand how AIH may promote neural plasticity in MS. The total participation period includes multiple sessions over several weeks.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Effects of Acute Intermittent Hypoxia on Neuroplasticity in MS
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Diagnosis of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis according to McDonald criteria for over 5 years
- Relapse-free for at least 6 months
- Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score of 7 or less
- Index finger abduction strength less than 5 or Nine-Hole Peg Test score over 20 seconds in at least one hand
- Stable disease modifying therapies for at least 6 months
- Taking dalfampridine at a stable dose for at least 2 months prior to screening if applicable
You will not qualify if you...
- Another diagnosis affecting upper limb function (e.g., peripheral neuropathies or orthopedic conditions)
- Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score below 24
- Modified Ashworth Scale score greater than 3 on elbow joint
- Uncontrolled hypertension or hypotension (outside 140/90 and 85/55 mmHg)
- History of epilepsy, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or sleep apnea
- Unstable medical conditions, ongoing upper limb therapy, or musculoskeletal pain
- Pregnancy confirmed by urine test
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
Duration - Approximately 10 weeks including washout periods
Participants undergo sessions of Acute Intermittent Hypoxia (AIH) or Sham AIH involving breathing cycles with varying oxygen levels to study neuroplasticity effects.
4 sessions over 10 weeks with 1-week washout periods between sessions
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60611
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
R
Rachel Kalvakota, OTD, OTR/L
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
DOUBLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
CROSSOVER
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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