This study will examine if acute intermittent hypoxia (brief episodes of breathing lower oxygen), which has been shown to enhance plasticity and motor output, can enhance functional outcomes and muscle activation in individuals with spinal cord injury. Our aim is to assess breathing, sitting, standing and walking functional ability before and after acute intermittent hypoxia, compared to a sham treatment. This information may be useful in advancing rehabilitation for people with spinal cord injuries.
Recent evidence has shown that acute intermittent hypoxia can strengthen motor pathways after spinal cord injury, and enhance walking outcomes after walking rehabilitation compared to walking rehabilitation alone. A single session of acute intermittent hypoxia has also been shown to temporarily enhance breathing and limb strength in people with spinal cord injury. Further evidence supports the hypothesis that acute intermittent hypoxia acts on all motor pathways, and thus can enhance the strength of most muscles in the body. Spinal cord injury affects the muscles that control respiration. Decreased respiratory muscle function can lead to diseases of the respiratory system, which are the primary cause of death and significant cause of re-hospitalization after spinal cord injury. Deficits in postural muscle function affect one's ability to balance, safely maintain a seated position, or ambulate after spinal cord injury, severely impacting daily activities such as self-care and feeding skills. This study will test the hypothesis that a single session of acute intermittent hypoxia will increase strength and activation of the muscles that control respiration and posture, leading to improved scores on functional assessments in individuals with chronic spinal cord injury. Our long term goal is to better understand the therapeutic potential of acute intermittent hypoxia combined with physical rehabilitation for individuals with chronic spinal cord injury.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
17
During acute intermittent hypoxia, subjects will undergo 15 brief exposures (60-120 seconds) of low oxygen air (9-15% inspired oxygen) delivered by an air generator, alternated with 15 brief exposures (60-120 seconds) of ambient room air.
During sham intermittent hypoxia, subjects will undergo 15 brief exposures (60-120 seconds) of normal oxygen air (21% inspired oxygen) delivered by an air generator, alternated with 15 brief exposures (60-120 seconds) of ambient room air.
University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida, United States
Brooks Rehabilitation
Jacksonville, Florida, United States
Change in Maximal Inspiratory Pressure
An assessment of inspiratory muscle strength.
Time frame: Change between baseline and 30 minutes post-intermittent hypoxia or sham.
Change in Maximal Expiratory Pressure
An assessment of expiratory muscle strength.
Time frame: Change between baseline and 30 minutes post-intermittent hypoxia or sham.
Change in Forced Vital Capacity
An assessment of how much air a person can forcefully exhale after a maximal inspiratory effort.
Time frame: Change between baseline and 30 minutes post-intermittent hypoxia or sham.
Change in Mouth Occlusion Pressure (P0.1)
An assessment of the pressure generated in the first 0.1 seconds of the participant's initiation of inhalation.
Time frame: Change between baseline and 30 minutes post-intermittent hypoxia or sham.
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