Does the Administration of Acute Intermittent Hypoxia in Persons With Chronic Spinal Cord Injury Make Spasticity Worse?
Zev Rymer
Summary
This study aims to observe the effects of administration of a breathing intervention (Acute Intermittent Hypoxia (AIH)) on spasticity (tightness) in individuals with incomplete Spinal Cord Injury. It is hypothesized that hypoxia will decrease the reflex threshold of the biceps brachii, indicating an increase in spasticity following the AIH.
Description
In the case of incomplete traumatic spinal cord injury, it is know now that muscular strength improves quickly after AIH administration, and this Increase in voluntary strength lasts from three to six hours. The Increase in strength, coupled with demonstrated improvements in spinal cord neural plasticity, makes AIH administration a potentially valuable new therapeutic intervention. AIH initially acts by releasing serotonin in the central nervous system, enhancing persistent sodium uptake (via the motor neuron soma) and activating voltage-gated calcium channels in motor neuron dendrites. There…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Age \>= 18 * Non-progressive spinal Cord injury at least 6 months prior * Level of injury between C1-C8 * ISNCSCI ASIA classification C or D * Measurable Spasticity Exclusion Criteria: * Pre-existing hypoxic pulmonary disease * Positive Covid-Pneumonia diagnosis within 1 year of visit * Uncontrolled hypertension \>140/90 mmHg * Individuals who are currently pregnant/nursing or planning on becoming pregnant * Individuals with a tracheostomy or who utilize mechanical ventilation * A botulinum toxin injection to upper extremity musculature within the past 3 months * Curre…
Interventions
- DeviceAcute Intermittent Hypoxia (AIH)
This intervention involves breathing lowered levels of oxygen for 60 seconds, alternating with 60 seconds of room air breathing. Participants will be monitored and observed during the entire session for any changes in vital signs
Location
- Shirley Ryan AbilityLabChicago, Illinois