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Behavioural Intervention

Acute Intermittent Hypoxia for Multiple Sclerosis

N/A
Waitlist Available
Research Sponsored by Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
Eligibility Criteria Checklist
Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial
Must have
Relapse free for at least 6 months
Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) ≤7
Must not have
Another diagnosis affecting upper limb function (e.g., peripheral neuropathies or orthopedic)
Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score <24
Timeline
Screening 3 weeks
Treatment Varies
Follow Up immediately before the intervention and immediately after the intervention.
Awards & highlights
No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

"This trial aims to see how breathing low levels of oxygen in short bursts, known as Acute Intermittent Hypoxia (AIH), can improve arm function in people with multiple sclerosis (

Who is the study for?
This trial is for individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) who are interested in a breathing intervention that may improve arm and hand function. Specific eligibility criteria details were not provided, so participants should inquire further to determine if they qualify.
What is being tested?
The study tests the effects of Acute Intermittent Hypoxia (AIH), which involves breathing low oxygen levels briefly, on neural pathways and arm function in MS patients. It compares AIH with a sham procedure to assess changes in muscle response and brain signals.
What are the potential side effects?
While specific side effects are not listed, AIH generally involves risks associated with low oxygen levels such as lightheadedness or shortness of breath. Participants should discuss potential side effects with the research team.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below
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I have been free from cancer relapse for at least 6 months.
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I can walk with assistance.
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My index finger is weak or I am slow at the peg test with one hand.
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My current medication for my condition has been stable for at least 6 months.
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I have been on the same daily dose of dalfampridine for at least 2 months.

Exclusion Criteria

You may be eligible for the trial if you check “No” for criteria below:
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I have a condition that affects the use of my arms.
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My MMSE score is below 24, indicating cognitive concerns.
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My blood pressure is within the normal range.
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I have a history of epilepsy, COPD, or sleep apnea.
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I do not have unstable health conditions, ongoing arm therapy, or muscle pain.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks
Treatment ~ Varies
Follow Up ~immediately before the intervention and immediately after the intervention.
This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and immediately before the intervention and immediately after the intervention. for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.
Primary study objectives
Accuracy of Direction Estimation of Passive Joint Movement
Changes in Spinal Reflex Threshold
Motor Evoked Potentials (MEPs) in First Dorsal Interosseous (FDI)
+1 more
Secondary study objectives
Box and Block Test
Grip Strength
Index Finger Abduction Force
+6 more

Awards & Highlights

No Placebo-Only Group
All patients enrolled in this study will receive some form of active treatment.

Trial Design

2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Group I: Sham FirstExperimental Treatment2 Interventions
Participants in the this arm will undergo 2 sessions of Sham AIH each separated by a 1-week washout period. 1 week later, participants will undergo 2 sessions of AIH also separated by a 1-week washout period.
Group II: AIH firstExperimental Treatment2 Interventions
Participants in the first arm will undergo 2 sessions of AIH each separated by a 1-week washout period. 1 week later, participants will undergo 2 sessions of Sham AIH also separated by a 1-week washout period.

Find a Location

Who is running the clinical trial?

Shirley Ryan AbilityLabLead Sponsor
208 Previous Clinical Trials
17,975 Total Patients Enrolled
7 Trials studying Multiple Sclerosis
403 Patients Enrolled for Multiple Sclerosis
National Multiple Sclerosis SocietyOTHER
98 Previous Clinical Trials
10,542 Total Patients Enrolled
96 Trials studying Multiple Sclerosis
10,188 Patients Enrolled for Multiple Sclerosis
~15 spots leftby Jul 2026