Breathing-based AIH treatment for arm tightness after incomplete spinal cord injury
Official title: Does the Administration of Acute Intermittent Hypoxia in Persons With Chronic Spinal Cord Injury Make Spasticity Worse?
Run by Shirley Ryan AbilityLab · NCT07583498 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial will try brief episodes of low-oxygen breathing (acute intermittent hypoxia) to see if it changes arm muscle tightness in adults with incomplete cervical spinal cord injury.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 10 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Chicago, Illinois) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 17, 2026 |
| Main results expected | March 2027 |
| Study ends | March 2028 |
| Registry record updated | May 13, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07583498 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults (≥18) with a non-progressive cervical spinal cord injury at least six months old (C1–C8), classified ASIA C or D, who have measurable upper-extremity spasticity and can safely tolerate brief hypoxic exposures.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with complete injuries, inaccessible neuronal receptor function suggested by very high spasticity, or those with excluded conditions (significant cardiopulmonary disease, uncontrolled hypertension, current baclofen use, recent botulinum toxin, pregnancy, tracheostomy/mechanical ventilation, epilepsy, or major cardiac disease) are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Adults with chronic incomplete cervical spinal cord injury (ASIA C or D) who have measurable spasticity will receive an acute intermittent hypoxia (AIH) breathing intervention at a single center. Researchers will measure reflex thresholds in the biceps brachii and other spasticity metrics before and after AIH to see whether neuronal excitability and muscle tightness change. The protocol excludes people with significant cardiopulmonary disease, uncontrolled hypertension, recent botulinum toxin to the arm, current baclofen use, pregnancy, or need for mechanical ventilation. The work builds on prior observations that AIH can transiently increase voluntary strength and spinal plasticity, while specifically examining possible changes in spasticity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, AIH could offer a short, noninvasive way to alter spinal excitability and potentially improve muscle control for some people with incomplete SCI.
How similar studies have gone: Prior small studies show AIH can rapidly boost voluntary strength and promote spinal plasticity for several hours, but effects on spasticity are less well-established and may in some cases increase motor neuron excitability.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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 * Currently taking Baclofen * Congestive Heart Failure * Cardiac arrhythmias * Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus * Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease * Emphysema * Severe Asthma * Previous myocardial infarction * Carotid/intracerebral artery stenosis * Orthopedic injuries or surgeries that impact the ability to use the upper extremity * History of Epilepsy
Where it's running
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Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
Chicago, Illinois, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: William Z Rymer, MD, PhD — Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
- Study coordinator: William Z Rymer, MD, PhD
- Email: w-rymer@northwestern.edu
- Phone: 312-238-3919
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.