Intermittent Hypoxia Initiated Motor Plasticity in Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
Summary
This study aims to understand the mechanisms of a novel intervention involving breathing short durations of low levels of oxygen for persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). This intervention with low levels of oxygen is called Acute Intermittent Hypoxia (AIH), the levels of oxygen experienced are similar to breathing the air on a tall mountain, for less than 1 minute at a time. Previous studies have shown that AIH is a safe and effective way to increase strength in persons with MS. Here the investigators aim to look at brain activation and ankle strength before and after AIH to gain a better understanding of how the AIH may improve strength in those persons with MS.
Description
Recent research has shown that AIH, characterized by brief episodes of reduced oxygen levels in the inspired air, has the potential to induce neural adaptations. These adaptations are suspected to influence several aspects of neuroplasticity, including the modulation of neurotransmitters and neurotrophic factors. Persons with MS typically exhibit greater cortical activation to achieve a given motor task compared to healthy controls, suggesting compensatory activations in motor cortices and the recruitment of additional non-motor regions for successful motor control. Therefore, interventions th…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–75 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnoses of relapsing form of MS (including relapsing-remitting MS and secondary-progressive MS) * Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score of at least 3 and no more than 6.5 * Motor Functional System Scale (FSS) between 2-4 * Relapse free for at least 1 year * Age ≥ 18 years and ≤ 75 years * Safe to be scanned based on MRI questionnaire * Participants using dalfampridine will be eligible if taking the same daily dose for at least 2 months prior to screening Exclusion Criteria: * Active contrast-enhancing MS lesions, or diffusion positive lesions suggestive of ac…
Interventions
- OtherAcute Intermittent Hypoxia
During each AIH session, the participant will be equipped with a non-rebreathing face mask, and provided with the AIH intervention. The AIH intervention involves alternating breathing cycles: one with lower oxygen concentration (9-10% Oxygen) than that at sea level (\~21% Oxygen) lasting between 30 and 60 seconds, followed by a similar duration of normal room air (21% Oxygen). This cycle will be repeated 15 times in one session, continuous blood oxygen levels and heart rate will be monitored.
- OtherSham-Acute Intermittent Hypoxia
During each Sham-AIH session, the participant will be equipped with a non-rebreathing face mask, and provided with the Sham-AIH intervention. The Sham-AIH intervention involves alternating breathing cycles: both with oxygen concentrations of \~21% Oxygen lasting between 30 and 60 seconds, followed by another similar duration of normal room air (21% Oxygen). This cycle will be repeated 15 times in one session, continuous blood oxygen levels and heart rate will be monitored.
Location
- Shirley Ryan AbilityLabChicago, Illinois