RecruitingNot Applicable

Dose Optimization Study of Acute Intermittent Hypoxia in Spinal Cord Injury

United States40 participantsStarted 2026-07-27

Plain-language summary

This study aims to evaluate how different doses of acute intermittent hypoxia (AIH) affect lower-limb strength, reaction time, and responsiveness in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). The objective is to identify the dose that most effectively improves motor output while also examining parameters that may account for variability in response.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 75 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Chronic Spinal Cord Injury (\>6 months) * Motor incomplete SCI classified as AIS C or D * Volitional ankle plantarflexion strength in at least one leg Exclusion Criteria: * Uncontrolled hypertension (outside 140/90 and 90/60) * Concurrent medical illness * Traumatic brain injury * Cardiovascular complications * Pulmonary complications * Metabolic dysfunction * Continued use of anti-spasticity medications * Previously diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Change in ankle plantarflexion and dorsiflexion

Timeframe: Immediately following Intervention

Lower Limb Reaction time

Timeframe: Immediately following intervention

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07739992

SponsorMilap Sandhu

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2027-07

Contact for this trial

Milap Sandhu, PhD, PT

312-238-6529 msandhu@sralab.org

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI) trials