Actively Recruiting
Effects of Acute Intermittent Hypoxia on Neuroplasticity in MS
Led by Shirley Ryan AbilityLab · Updated on 2026-02-23
22
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
125 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
This study seeks to explore changes in the neural pathways and arm function following a breathing intervention in the multiple sclerosis (MS) population. The breathing intervention, known as Acute Intermittent Hypoxia (AIH), involves breathing brief bouts of low levels of oxygen. Research has found AIH to be a safe and effective intervention resulting in increased ankle strength in people with MS. Here, the study examines arm and hand function before and after AIH. In order to better understand the brain and spinal cord response to AIH, the investigators will measure muscle response, and signals sent from the brain to the arm muscles before and after AIH.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Effects of Acute Intermittent Hypoxia on Neuroplasticity in MS
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis according to McDonald criteria, diagnosed over 5 years ago
- No MS relapses for at least 6 months
- Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score of 7 or less
- Index finger abduction strength less than 5 on the Medical Research Council Scale, or 9-Hole Peg Test score over 20 seconds in at least one hand
- Stable disease modifying therapies for at least 6 months
- If taking dalfampridine, must be on a stable daily dose for at least 2 months before screening
You will not qualify if you...
- Any other diagnosis affecting upper limb function, such as peripheral neuropathies or orthopedic conditions
- Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score less than 24
- Modified Ashworth Scale score greater than 3 on the elbow joint
- Uncontrolled high or low blood pressure 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
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
CONTACT
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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