Genetic Biomarkers of Intermittent Hypoxia-Induced Respiratory Motor Plasticity in Chronic SCI
University of Florida
Summary
Acute intermittent hypoxia (AIH) involves brief (1 min), repeated episodes (\~15) of breathing low oxygen air to stimulate spinal neuroplasticity. Animal and human studies show that AIH improves motor function after spinal cord injury, particularly with slightly increased carbon dioxide (hypercapnic AIH; AIHH) and task-specific training. Using a double blind cross-over design, the study will test whether AIHH improves breathing more than AIH and whether specific genetic variations are related to individuals' intervention responses.
Description
This study will consist of two parts - single-session testing days, and respiratory strength training blocks. If a participant is not eligible to enroll in single-day testing, they will be asked to enroll in only the respiratory strength training blocks. On single-session testing days, participants will be asked to come in on three separate days they will complete a battery of tests, then be given one of three interventions, and then complete the same battery of tests. The three interventions are acute intermittent hypoxia (AIH), acute intermittent hypercapnic-hypoxia (AIHH), or sham acute in…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–70 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Adults 18-70 years of age 2. Chronic incomplete SCI ≥ 1 year at or below C1-T12 * Incomplete SCI based on residual sensory and motor function below the level of the injury or injury classification of B, C, D at initial screening according to the American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Classification and the International Standards for the Neurological Classification of SCI. -OR- Chronic complete SCI ≥1 year at or below C4-T12 * Complete SCI based on the absence of residual sensory or motor function below the level of injury or injury classification of A…
Interventions
- OtherAcute Intermittent Hypoxia (AIH)
AIH (acute intermittent hypoxia) consists of short episodes of low oxygen (9% O2).
- OtherAcute Intermittent Hypercapnic-Hypoxia (AIHH)
AIHH consists of short episodes of low oxygen (9% O2) and elevated carbon dioxide (4% CO2).
- OtherSham AIH
A single session of sham AIH with episodes of normal room air (21% O2).
Location
- Brooks RehabilitationJacksonville, Florida