Could Mountain-Air breathing boost stroke recovery?

NCT ID NCT07113457

Ongoing Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This study looks at whether short bursts of breathing air with less oxygen (like at high altitude) can improve arm and hand function in people who had a stroke at least six months ago. Twenty participants will undergo 15 cycles of one-minute low-oxygen breathing followed by normal air. The goal is to understand how this method affects the brain and muscles, not to test a new drug or device.

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 sessions of breathing lowered oxygen levels
What this could lead to: If successful, this could point toward a simple, drug-free way to enhance motor recovery after stroke.
What could go wrong: This is a very small, early-stage study (20 people) focused on understanding how AIH works, not on proving it as a treatment. Results may not apply to all stroke survivors.

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

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Hypoxia ischemic stroke Muscle Spasticity stroke disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

STROKE

Contacts and locations

Locations

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab

Chicago, Illinois, 60611, United States

More trials for these conditions

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