Effect of Hypercapnia Treatment on Respiratory Recovery After Spinal Cord Injury

About this trial

This trial is enrolling individuals with chronic spinal cord injuries to test the feasibility of daily acute intermittent hypercapnia (dAIHc) and its effect on respiratory function and sleep apnea. dAIHc is a technique to strengthen respiratory muscles. Sleep apnea (where your breathing stops and starts while breathing) can prevent your body from getting enough oxygen and may require an external device with pressurized air to keep your breathing steady. The investigators hypothesize that daily hypercapnia treatments (delivering higher than normal amounts of a gas called carbon dioxide) may improve respiratory function and sleep apnea. If included, participants will undergo either: 1) active dAIHc treatment; or 2) a sham intervention (pressurized air). Each arm includes 5 treatment days per week, for two weeks. Final testing will be performed at the end of the two week period.