Investigating the Effects of Acute Intermittent Hypoxia on Neuroplasticity in Persons With Multiple Sclerosis
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
Summary
This study seeks to explore changes in the neural pathways and arm function following a breathing intervention in the multiple sclerosis (MS) population. The breathing intervention, known as Acute Intermittent Hypoxia (AIH), involves breathing brief bouts of low levels of oxygen. Research has found AIH to be a safe and effective intervention resulting in increased ankle strength in people with MS. Here, the study examines arm and hand function before and after AIH. In order to better understand the brain and spinal cord response to AIH, the investigators will measure muscle response, and signals sent from the brain to the arm muscles before and after AIH.
Description
While AIH has shown potential in enhancing neuroplasticity in people with spinal cord injury (SCI), it has yet to be studied extensively in MS. Preliminary research in the MS population demonstrates that a single session of AIH enhances motor output, increasing voluntary muscle strength by as much as 15-20% within 60 minutes. This study will explore potential mechanisms of AIH in MS using measurements of arm function, as well as examination of corticospinal and spinal motoneuron excitability. Over the past decade, studies have found that brief episodes of modest oxygen reduction (termed AIH)…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–75 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of relapsing-remitting MS according to the McDonald criteria, over 5 years ago * Relapse free for at least 6 months * Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) ≤7 * Index finger abduction strength \<5 according to Medical Research Council Scale, or 9-Hole Peg Test score \>20 seconds in at least one hand * Stable disease modifying therapies for at least 6 months * Individuals taking dalfampridine will be eligible if taking the same daily dose for at least 2 months prior to screening Exclusion Criteria: * Another diagnosis (e.g., peripheral neuropathies or orthop…
Interventions
- OtherAcute Intermittent Hypoxia
During AIH, 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 cycle involves breathing air with lower oxygen concentration (9-10% oxygen) for 30 and 90 seconds, followed by breathing normal room air (21% oxygen) for a similar duration. This cycle is repeated 15 times in one session. Blood oxygen and heart rate are monitored throughout.
- OtherSham Acute Intermittent Hypoxia
During Sham AIH, the participant will be equipped with a non-rebreathing face mask, and provided with the AIH intervention. The Sham AIH intervention involves alternating breathing cycles. One cycle involves breathing air closely resembling room air (\~21% oxygen) for 30 and 90 seconds, followed by breathing normal room air (21% oxygen) for a similar duration. This cycle is repeated 15 times in one session. Blood oxygen and heart rate are monitored throughout.
Location
- Shirley Ryan AbilityLabChicago, Illinois