Using oxygen levels to improve movement in people with multiple sclerosis
Official title: Intermittent Hypoxia Initiated Motor Plasticity in Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis
Funded at Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago D/b/a Shirley Ryan Abilitylab · NIH-10919761 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to help people with multiple sclerosis improve their movement by using short bursts of low oxygen levels to boost brain recovery and nerve function.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago D/b/a Shirley Ryan Abilitylab NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | September 4, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $243,162 |
| NIH project number | 5R21HD108587-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10919761 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with multiple sclerosis who experience motor deficits.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable MS who do not have significant motor impairments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new treatment approach for individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) that involves brief periods of reduced oxygen levels, known as Acute Intermittent Hypoxia (AIH). The goal is to stimulate the brain's ability to adapt and recover from motor deficits caused by MS. By enhancing the activity of serotonin receptors, this method aims to promote the production of proteins that support nerve function and improve voluntary limb movement. Participants will undergo a controlled trial to assess the effectiveness of this intervention on their motor skills.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved movement and quality of life for patients with multiple sclerosis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that similar approaches using intermittent hypoxia have been effective in enhancing neuroplasticity in other conditions, suggesting potential for success in this context.
Where this research is happening
-
Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago D/b/a Shirley Ryan Abilitylab
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sandhu, Milapjit Singh — Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago D/b/a Shirley Ryan Abilitylab
- Study coordinator: Sandhu, Milapjit Singh
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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.