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.
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
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
Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital
Lead sponsor
Foundation Wings For Life
Collaborator
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
Collaborator