Could short bursts of low oxygen help spinal cord injury patients move better?

NCT ID NCT05491837

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Riphah International University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested whether brief periods of breathing low-oxygen air (acute intermittent hypoxia) can improve arm, leg, and walking function in people with incomplete spinal cord injury. Sixty-eight participants received either the low-oxygen treatment or a sham (normal air) over multiple sessions. The goal was to see if this simple, non-drug approach could boost neuroplasticity and enhance daily activities.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: acute intermittent hypoxia (brief low-oxygen air)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a simple, drug-free way to boost movement and walking ability after spinal cord injury.
What could go wrong: This is a small, completed trial with no phase designation, so results are preliminary. The effect may be modest or not last long, and the treatment involves brief low-oxygen exposure, which may not be safe for everyone.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

spinal cord injury

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

INCOMPLETE SPINAL CORD INJURY

Contacts and locations

Locations

Riphah International University Islamabad

Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan

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