Intermittent hypoxia treatment for Parkinson's disease

A Randomized Phase 1b-2a Trial of the Safety and Effectiveness of Intermittent Hypoxia Treatment in Parkinson's Disease

Phase1; Phase2 Interventional Radboud University Medical Center · NCT05948761

This study is testing if a new breathing treatment that involves short periods of low oxygen can help people with Parkinson's disease feel better.

Quick facts

PhasePhase1; Phase2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorRadboud University Medical Center Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Nijmegen and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05948761 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the safety and effectiveness of intermittent hypoxia therapy in individuals with Parkinson's disease. Participants will undergo 45 minutes of normobaric intermittent hypoxia sessions three times a week for four weeks, with the aim of assessing both the feasibility and symptomatic effects of the treatment. The study builds on previous findings from an exploratory phase I trial, which indicated potential benefits of this non-pharmacological intervention. Secondary outcomes will include the evaluation of neuroprotective pathways through serum analysis.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals diagnosed with mild to moderate Parkinson's disease, specifically those in Hoehn and Yahr stages 1 to 3.

Not a fit: Patients with severe pulmonary or cardiac conditions, or those with active deep brain stimulation, are unlikely to benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide a novel non-pharmacological approach to alleviate symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

How similar studies have performed: Previous exploratory trials have shown promise for similar approaches, but this specific treatment's efficacy is still being evaluated.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria

* Informed consent
* Clinical diagnosis of Parkinson's disease by a movement disorder specialized neurologist.
* Hoehn and Yahr staging 1 to and including 3 (indicating mild to moderate PD).

Exclusion criteria

A potential subject who meets any of the following criteria will be excluded from participation in this study:

* Individuals with diseases leading to restrictive and obstructive pulmonary diseases, sleep apnea and cardiac output deficits, such as pulmonary fibrosis, COPD, sleep apnea or excessive alcoholic intake, and congestive heart failure respectively
* Individuals with coronary artery disease NYHA classes III and IV
* Arterial blood gas abnormalities at screening procedure
* Individuals with shortness of breath or other airway or breathing-related inconvenience related to lack of dopaminergic medication
* Inability for in-clinic measurements in OFF phase
* Individuals with active deep brain stimulation

Where this trial is running

Nijmegen and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Parkinson Disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.