Breathing low oxygen levels to improve strength in people with multiple sclerosis
Intermittent Hypoxia Initiated Motor Plasticity in Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis
This study is testing if short periods of low oxygen can help people with multiple sclerosis get stronger and improve their brain's ability to control movement.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 21 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Chicago, Illinois) |
| Trial ID | NCT06276634 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effects of Acute Intermittent Hypoxia (AIH) on individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) by exposing them to brief periods of low oxygen levels, akin to high-altitude conditions. The goal is to understand how AIH may enhance strength and promote neuroplasticity in the brain, particularly in relation to motor control. Participants will undergo assessments of brain activation and ankle strength before and after the AIH intervention, utilizing advanced neuroimaging techniques to explore the underlying mechanisms of this approach.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 to 75 with a diagnosis of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis and specific disability scores.
Not a fit: Patients with active MS lesions, uncontrolled hypertension, or other significant health issues may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could lead to improved strength and motor function in patients with multiple sclerosis.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have indicated that AIH can be a safe and effective method for enhancing strength in individuals with MS, suggesting potential for success in this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnoses of relapsing form of MS (including relapsing-remitting MS and secondary-progressive MS) * Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score of at least 3 and no more than 6.5 * Motor Functional System Scale (FSS) between 2-4 * Relapse free for at least 1 year * Age ≥ 18 years and ≤ 75 years * Safe to be scanned based on MRI questionnaire * Participants using dalfampridine will be eligible if taking the same daily dose for at least 2 months prior to screening Exclusion Criteria: * Active contrast-enhancing MS lesions, or diffusion positive lesions suggestive of acute cerebrovascular disease on baseline MRI scan * Uncontrolled hypertension (Systolic between 85 and 140, diastolic between 90 and 55) * History of epilepsy * Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease * Uncontrolled Sleep apnea * Pregnancy
Where this trial is running
Chicago, Illinois
- Shirley Ryan AbilityLab — Chicago, Illinois, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Milap Sandhu, Pt, PhD — Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
- Study coordinator: Alexander Barry, MS, CCRC
- Email: abarry@sralab.org
- Phone: 3122381435
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.