Studying How Acute Intermittent Hypoxia Affects Brain and Arm Function in People with Multiple Sclerosis

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.

Effects of Acute Intermittent Hypoxia on Neuroplasticity in MS