Project Type:
IndependentLead Center:
Midwest Regional Spinal Cord Injury Care SystemPrincipal Investigator Name:
Principal Investigator Email:
Start Date:
06/12/2017End Date:
Participating Centers:
Target Population(s):
Project Website:
Abstract:
The objective of this research project is to determine the effect of a 5-day intervention with daily acute intermittent hypoxia (AIH) therapy, either alone or coupled with task-specific training, on upper extremity function in individuals with chronic SCI, with some residual intrinsic hand muscle activation.
Hypothesis: A combinatorial intervention with AIH therapy + upper limb training will be significantly more effective in improving hand function, compared to individual treatments alone.
Specific Aim: To test this hypothesis, we will determine the impact of combined daily AIH therapy and high-repetition task-specific upper extremity training on arm strength and hand dexterity in persons with tetraplegia.