Dose optimization of acute intermittent hypoxia for improving leg strength after spinal cord injury
Official title: Dose-Optimization Study of Acute Intermittent Hypoxia (DOSA-SCI): Effects on Lower-Limb Motor Function and Physiological Responsiveness in Individuals With Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury
Run by Shirley Ryan AbilityLab · NCT07739992 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests different short bursts of low-oxygen exposure to see which dose helps people with spinal cord injuries gain stronger leg muscles and faster reactions.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Chicago, Illinois) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 27, 2026 |
| Main results expected | July 2027 |
| Study ends | July 2028 |
| Registry record updated | July 31, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07739992 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults with chronic, motor-incomplete spinal cord injury (AIS C or D) who can plantarflex at least one ankle with an incomplete SCI.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals without measurable improvement in motor output or who have safety concerns with AIH exposure may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This interventional study compares sham AIH with two active AIH dosing levels to determine the dose that best improves lower-limb motor output and responsiveness in adults with chronic, motor-incomplete SCI. Participants will receive prescribed AIH sessions and outcomes will include measures of ankle plantarflexor strength and reaction time to help explain variability in response. The study uses a dose-ranging approach to identify whether higher or lower AIH exposure yields greater functional benefits while monitoring safety parameters. Data from this trial may inform dosing guidelines for AIH as a rehabilitative tool in SCI care. Location is Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago, with Milap Sandhu as lead sponsor and collaborators from Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the optimal AIH dose could improve leg strength and reflexes in people with incomplete SCI, supporting better mobility.
How similar studies have gone: Previous AIH studies in neurorehabilitation have shown potential benefits, but dose-ranging exploration in SCI remains an emerging area.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Chronic Spinal Cord Injury (\>6 months) * Motor incomplete SCI classified as AIS C or D * Volitional ankle plantarflexion strength in at least one leg Exclusion Criteria: * Uncontrolled hypertension (outside 140/90 and 90/60) * Concurrent medical illness * Traumatic brain injury * Cardiovascular complications * Pulmonary complications * Metabolic dysfunction * Continued use of anti-spasticity medications * Previously diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea
Where it's running
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Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
Chicago, Illinois, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Milap Sandhu, PT, PhD — Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
- Study coordinator: Milap Sandhu, PhD, PT
- Email: msandhu@sralab.org
- Phone: 312-238-6529
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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.