Acute Intermittent Hypoxia As a Potential Adjuvant to Improve Walking Following Spinal Cord Injury: Evidence, Challenges, and Future Directions

Overview

Journal Curr Phys Med Rehabil Rep

Specialty Rehabilitation Medicine

Date 2021 Mar 19

PMID 33738145

Citations 9

Authors

Andrew Quesada Tan

Stella Barth

Randy D Trumbower

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

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., acute intermittent hypoxia, AIH) is a potential therapy to promote walking recovery after incomplete SCI via endogenous mechanisms of neuroplasticity. Here, we report on the progress of AIH, alone or paired with other treatments, on walking recovery in persons with incomplete SCI. We evaluate the evidence of AIH as a therapy ready for clinical and home use and the real and perceived challenges that may interfere with this possibility.

Recent Findings: Repetitive AIH is a safe and an efficacious treatment to enhance strength, walking speed and endurance, as well as, dynamic balance in persons with chronic, incomplete SCI.

Summary: The potential for AIH as a treatment for SCI remains high, but further research is necessary to understand treatment targets and effectiveness in a large cohort of persons with SCI.

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