Breathing low oxygen may spark nerve repair after spinal injury

NCT ID NCT02323945

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.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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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.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital

    RECRUITING

    Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02138, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••