Repetitive Acute Intermittent Hypoxia for Spinal Cord Repair

About this trial

This is a clinical trial enrolling individuals with chronic incomplete cervical (neck area) spinal cord injuries to measure the effect of daily acute intermittent hypoxia therapy (dAIH) to improve upper-and lower extremity function. Intermittent hypoxia delivers brief exposures of low oxygen air alternating with normal room air. Recent studies have shown that this technique can strengthen nerve pathways related to motor function after SCI, thus improving walking, breathing, grip strength, and limb strength. This study utilizes the Rapael Glove, an exoskeleton for the hand, comparing its effect to general physical therapy and training for hand and arm function. The oxygen air content is controlled through a respiratory face mask, and will either be normal room air or low (9-10%) oxygen air. Participants will not be informed about the oxygen content of the air they are breathing. The study has 5 experimental arms to compare active treatments versus sham (inactive) treatments: dAIH + Rapael Glove; dAIH + upper and lower extremity training by staff; room air + Rapael Glove; room air + training by staff; or room air without training. Note: two treatment arms include sham dAIH (room air); one arm does not include any training. Training sessions will last about 30-45 minutes.