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Acute Intermittent Hypoxia for Neuroplasticity in Multiple Sclerosis

This study is looking at how a breathing technique called Acute Intermittent Hypoxia (AIH) might improve arm and hand function in people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). AIH involves briefly breathing air with lower oxygen levels. Researchers want to see if this technique can help the brain and spinal cord adapt and improve movement. You might be able to join if you are 18-75 years old, have relapsing-remitting MS diagnosed over 5 years ago, and have stable disease-modifying therapies. The study will measure muscle responses and signals from the brain to arm muscles before and after AIH to understand its effects. The goal is to see if AIH can improve arm and hand strength and function.

Study design
This interventional study plans to enroll 22 participants. It compares Acute Intermittent Hypoxia (AIH) with a sham intervention.
What's involved
Participants will be equipped with a face mask for the AIH or sham intervention, which involves alternating breathing cycles of different oxygen levels. Measurements of muscle response and joint movement will be taken immediately before, immediately after, and 60 minutes after the intervention.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Participants will be followed for up to 60 minutes after the intervention to measure motor evoked potentials.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT06390930

Effects of Acute Intermittent Hypoxia on Neuroplasticity in MS

Recruiting
NAAges 18–75InterventionalTreatment
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
~22 participants
Updated 2026-02-23 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Acute Intermittent HypoxiaSham Acute Intermittent Hypoxia

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Motor Evoked Potentials (MEPs) in First Dorsal Interosseous (FDI)
Measured over Immediately before, immediately after, and 60 minutes after the intervention.
+3 more outcomes measured

Conditions

Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting
Multiple Sclerosis, Secondary Progressive

Explore related trials

Multiple Sclerosis

Where it's being run

1 sites across 1 states
Illinois1

Study leadership

  • Milap Sandhu · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Shirley Ryan Ability Lab

Who to contact

Rachel Kalvakota, OTD, OTR/L
[email protected]
3122383947
Email the study team

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Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Diagnosis of relapsing-remitting MS according to the McDonald criteria, over 5 years ago
Relapse free for at least 6 months
Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) ≤7
Index finger abduction strength \<5 according to Medical Research Council Scale, or 9-Hole Peg Test score \>20 seconds in at least one hand
Stable disease modifying therapies for at least 6 months
Individuals taking dalfampridine will be eligible if taking the same daily dose for at least 2 months prior to screening

Exclusion

Another diagnosis (e.g., peripheral neuropathies or orthopedic) affecting upper limb function
Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score \<24
Modified Ashworth Scale score \>3 on elbow joint
Uncontrolled hypertension or hypotension (outside 140/90 and 85/55 mmHg)
History of epilepsy, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or sleep apnea
Unstable medical conditions, ongoing upper limb therapy, or musculoskeletal pain
Pregnancy as confirmed by urine test

What this trial measures

  • Motor Evoked Potentials (MEPs) in First Dorsal Interosseous (FDI)Immediately before, immediately after, and 60 minutes after the intervention.

    The MEPs will be elicited by Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), a procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain.

  • Changes in Spinal Reflex ThresholdImmediately before the intervention and immediately after the intervention.

    Spinal reflect threshold will be measured by calculating the average change in threshold length recorded from the biceps tendon's indentation. A linear motor will be used to impose precise tendon indentations of the biceps brachii.

  • Threshold For Detecting Passive Joint MovementImmediately before the intervention and immediately after the intervention.

    An assisted movement with enhanced sensation (AMES) will be used to rotate the participant's joint. The difference between the reference and matching joint angles is used to measure joint position sense. The investigators will present three target positions, and subjects will perform ipsilateral matching for each target 5 times.

  • Accuracy of Direction Estimation of Passive Joint MovementImmediately before the intervention and immediately after the intervention.

    An AMES will be used to rotate the participant's joint. The difference between the reference and matching joint angles is used to measure joint position sense. The investigators will present three target positions, and subjects will perform ipsilateral matching for each target 5 times.