Breathing low oxygen may spark nerve repair after spinal injury

NCT ID NCT02323945

Recruiting now Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether breathing low oxygen for short periods (called intermittent hypoxia) can improve walking and strength in people with chronic spinal cord injury. Researchers want to understand how this affects the nervous system. The trial involves 44 participants who will receive the treatment along with walking or strength practice over 5 days.

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 (AIH) - brief low-oxygen breathing
What this could lead to: If successful, this could point toward a non-drug therapy to improve walking and strength after spinal cord injury.
What could go wrong: This is an early mechanistic study with only 44 participants. It aims to understand how the treatment works, not yet to prove it is effective. Results may not lead to a practical therapy.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for SPINAL CORD INJURIES are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Respiratory Aspiration spinal cord injury

As listed by the trial registrant

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

SPINAL CORD INJURIES

Contacts and locations

Locations

Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital
RECRUITING

Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02138, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.