Improving breathing recovery after cervical spinal cord injury
Combinatorial respiratory rehabilitation approaches to enhance breathing recovery after cervical spinal cord injury
This study is looking at new ways to help people with cervical spinal cord injuries breathe better by combining special breathing exercises with short periods of low oxygen, aiming to boost their recovery and strengthen their breathing muscles.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11106271 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates new treatment strategies to enhance breathing recovery in patients with cervical spinal cord injuries. It focuses on combining therapeutic acute intermittent hypoxia with specific respiratory training exercises to strengthen the neural pathways responsible for breathing. The approach aims to harness the body's natural ability to adapt and recover, particularly in cases of incomplete spinal cord injuries. By studying the effects of physical exercise and exposure to elevated carbon dioxide levels, the research seeks to identify effective methods for improving respiratory function.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with chronic, incomplete cervical spinal cord injuries who experience breathing difficulties.
Not a fit: Patients with complete cervical spinal cord injuries or those without respiratory impairments may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve breathing ability and quality of life for patients with cervical spinal cord injuries.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that combining therapeutic approaches can be effective in enhancing recovery in other motor systems, suggesting potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Gainesville, United States
- University of Florida — Gainesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gonzalez-Rothi, Elisa J. — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Gonzalez-Rothi, Elisa J.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.