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Effects of Acute Intermittent Hypoxia on Neuroplasticity in MS

Investigating the Effects of Acute Intermittent Hypoxia on Neuroplasticity in Persons With Multiple Sclerosis

Who can join

As published by the study on ClinicalTrials.gov. "Not stated" means the study hasn't said — ask the study team.

Age
18 Years to 75 Years
Sex
All sexes
Healthy volunteers
Not accepted
Compensation
Not stated

Other requirements are listed under Eligibility below. Only the study team can confirm whether you can join.

What to expect

No one can promise a trial will help you personally — that is what the research is trying to find out.

What participation involves

Not stated in the study description — ask the study team about visits and procedures.

Compensation
Not stated
  • Study-related exams and procedures are typically provided at no cost. This is how many trials work in general — confirm the details for this study with the study team.
  • Participants are monitored closely by the research team throughout the study.
  • Some participants may receive access to an investigational treatment, which is still being studied.
  • Your participation helps researchers learn whether this approach could help future patients.

About this study

In plain language

This study tests how breathing low levels of oxygen for short periods affects arm and hand function in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). It also measures muscle responses and signals from the brain to arm muscles before and after the breathing treatment.

This study seeks to explore changes in the neural pathways and arm function following a breathing intervention in the multiple sclerosis (MS) population. The breathing intervention, known as Acute Intermittent Hypoxia (AIH), involves breathing brief bouts of low levels of oxygen. Research has found AIH to be a safe and effective intervention resulting in increased ankle strength in people with MS. Here, the study examines arm and hand function before and after AIH. In order to better understand the brain and spinal cord response to AIH, the investigators will measure muscle response, and signals sent from the brain to the arm muscles before and after AIH.

Compensation is read from the study's own description and may be missing — always confirm with the study team.

Eligibility

Who can join

  • Diagnosed over 5 years ago with relapsing-remitting MS, a type with flare-ups and periods of recovery, using the McDonald diagnosis rules.
  • No MS flare-ups for at least 6 months.
  • A score of 7 or less on the EDSS, a scale that measures disability from MS.
  • In at least one hand, weaker-than-normal strength when moving the index finger sideways (score below 5), or more than 20 seconds to finish the 9-Hole Peg Test.
  • MS medicines that slow the disease have stayed the same for at least 6 months.
  • If taking dalfampridine, the daily dose has stayed the same for at least 2 months before screening.

Who can't join

  • Another condition that affects arm or hand function, such as nerve damage or a bone or joint problem.
  • A score below 24 on the MMSE, a test of memory and thinking.
  • An elbow muscle stiffness score above 3 on the Modified Ashworth Scale.
  • Blood pressure that is not controlled: above 140/90 or below 85/55.
  • A history of epilepsy (seizures), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (a long-term lung disease), or sleep apnea (breathing pauses during sleep).
  • A medical condition that is not stable, ongoing arm or hand therapy, or muscle, bone, or joint pain.
  • Pregnancy confirmed by a urine test.

Simplified for readability. The official criteria below are what the study team uses.

Official eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria: * 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 Criteria: * 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

Study sites (1)

IL