A single sequence of intermittent hypoxia does not alter stretch reflex excitability in able-bodied individuals.

Spasticity attributable to exaggerated stretch reflex pathways, particularly affecting the ankle plantar flexors, often impairs overground walking in persons with incomplete spinal cord injury. Compelling evidence from rodent models underscores how exposure to acute intermittent hypoxia (AIH) can provide a unique medium to induce spinal plasticity in key inhibitory pathways mediating stretch reflex excitability and potentially affect spasticity. In this study, we quantify the effects of a single exposure to AIH on the stretch reflex in able-bodied individuals.

A Research Protocol to Study the Priming Effects of Breathing Low Oxygen on Enhancing Training-Related Gains in Walking Function for Persons With Spinal Cord Injury: The BOST Trial.

Unlabelled: Brief episodes of low oxygen breathing (therapeutic acute intermittent hypoxia; tAIH) may serve as an effective plasticity-promoting primer to enhance the effects of transcutaneous spinal stimulation-enhanced walking therapy (WALK) in persons with chronic (>1 year) spinal cord injury (SCI). Pre-clinical studies in rodents with SCI show that tAIH and WALK therapies harness complementary mechanisms of plasticity to maximize walking recovery. Here, we present a multi-site clinical trial protocol designed to examine the influence of tAIH + WALK on walking recovery in persons with chronic SCI.

Caffeine Enhances Intermittent Hypoxia-Induced Gains in Walking Function for People with Chronic Spinal Cord Injury.

Incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI) often results in lifelong walking impairments that limit functional independence. Thus, treatments that trigger enduring improvement in walking after iSCI are in high demand. Breathing brief episodes of low oxygen (i.

Acute intermittent hypoxia as a potential adjuvant to improve walking following spinal cord injury: evidence, challenges, and future directions.

Purpose Of Review: The reacquisition and preservation of walking ability are highly valued goals in spinal cord injury (SCI) rehabilitation. Recurrent episodes of breathing low oxygen (i.e.

Daily acute intermittent hypoxia to improve walking function in persons with subacute spinal cord injury: a randomized clinical trial study protocol.

Background: Restoring community walking remains a highly valued goal for persons recovering from traumatic incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI). Recently, studies report that brief episodes of low-oxygen breathing (acute intermittent hypoxia, AIH) may serve as an effective plasticity-inducing primer that enhances the effects of walking therapy in persons with chronic (> 1 year) SCI. More persistent walking recovery may occur following repetitive (weeks) AIH treatment involving persons with more acute SCI, but this possibility remains unknown.