Effects of Caffeine and Intermittent Hypoxia on Leg Function in Human Spinal Cord Injury

About this trial

This trial is recruiting individuals with incomplete spinal cord injuries to test the effect of breathing air with low oxygen (acute intermittent hypoxia) in combination with caffeine to improve leg function. Participants will swallow capsules containing either caffeine or sugar (placebo). Each will receive both caffeine and sugar capsules, but the order of the capsules will not be known. After 1 hour participants will breathe short periods of low oxygen air through a face mask, alternating with room air. Following the breathing session, saliva will be tested for the amount of caffeine in the body. After each treatment (caffeine or placebo), walking speed and leg strength will be assessed