Acute Intermittent Hypoxia on Leg Function Following Spinal Cord Injury
Spinal Cord Injuries
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Spinal Cord Injuries focused on measuring acute intermittent hypoxia, walking, spasticity, incomplete spinal cord injury, breathing, strength
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- 18 to 75 years old (the latter to reduce likelihood of heart disease);
- medically stable with clearance from physician to participate;
- motor---incomplete SCI at C2---L5 with non---progressive etiology;
- >6 months since SCI to ensure minimal confounds of spontaneous neurological recovery;
- those classified as ambulatory must have the ability to advance one step overground without human assistance.
Exclusion Criteria:
- concurrent illness, including unhealed decubiti, severe neuropathic or chronic pain syndrome, infection, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis (history of fractures), active heterotopic ossification, or known history of peripheral nerve injury to legs;
- less than 24 on the Mini-mental Exam;
- recurrent autonomic dysreflexia
- cardiopulmonary complications
- concurrent physical therapy
- pregnancy because of unknown effects of AIH on a fetus, although women will not otherwise be excluded
Sites / Locations
- Spaulding Rehabilitation HospitalRecruiting
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Active Comparator
Sham Comparator
Intermittent Hypoxia (AIH)
Intermittent Room Air (SHAM)
Subjects with chronic, motor-incomplete SCI will breath mild bouts of low oxygen. Intervention: AIH - Intermittent Hypoxia - hypoxia air mixture Dosage: 10% oxygen Frequency: 1.5 minutes bouts of low oxygen with 1.0 minute intervals of room air Duration: 38 minutes
Subjects with chronic, motor-incomplete SCI will breath mild bouts of room air. Intervention: SHAM - Intermittent Room Air - room air mixture Dosage: 21% oxygen Frequency: 1.5 minutes bouts of room air with 1.0 minute intervals also of room air Duration: 38 minutes