Breathing Low-Oxygen air may boost hand recovery after spinal cord injury

NCT ID NCT03780829

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

Summary

This early-phase study tested whether breathing mild low-oxygen air (acute intermittent hypoxia) combined with hand exercise training could improve grip and pinch strength in people with chronic cervical spinal cord injury. The study also tested the drug D-cycloserine to see if it could enhance the effects. The trial was terminated early, so the findings are limited, but the goal was to find new ways to promote nerve repair and improve daily function.

What this could mean

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

Active substance
D-cycloserine
What this could lead to
If successful, this approach could point toward a way to improve hand and arm function after spinal cord injury by combining breathing treatments with exercise.
What could go wrong
This was a very early, small study that was terminated, so results are limited. The treatment is still experimental and may not work in people.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital, Hines, IL

    Hines, Illinois, 60141-3030, United States

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