Researchers at the University of Melbourne are conducting a study: Restoration of Respiratory and Upper Limb Function after cervical Spinal Cord Injury (RRULI Trial)
Are you living with a Spinal Cord Injury? We want to invite you to participate in this first home-based clinical trial investigating Therapeutic Intermittent Hypoxia (brief exposure to simulated mountain air) and exercise training to improve breathing and arm function.
What is Therapeutic Intermittent Hypoxia?
Therapeutic intermittent hypoxia involves short bursts of breathing low-oxygen air, equivalent to altitudes of approximately 6,000 meters (Mt Kilimanjaro), alternated with periods of normal oxygen intake (akin to sea level). This alternating pattern, over a 30-minute session, is considered safe and has shown potential benefits. The brief and mild reduction in blood oxygen levels stimulates the nerves responsible for breathing and induces neuroplasticity. It is theorised that therapeutic intermittent hypoxia can act as a neuroplasticity primer before exercise training, enhancing the effects of rehabilitation.
Who can participate?
- If you are over the age of 18 years old
- Have tetraplegia (levels C2-T1)
- Have an incomplete injury – with evidence of motor incomplete paralysis in the upper limb
- And had your injury (or onset of impairment) at least 12months ago
Your participation in this study will involve completing 3 intervention sessions per week for 6-weeks, plus baseline and final assessments. Assessments will be conducted at Austin Health, while intervention will be conducted in your own home, by experienced physio- or occupational therapists.
If you are interested in participating in this study or would like to get more information, please contact:
Laura Stendell – Trial Coordinator
Email: laura.stendell@unimelb.edu.au
Phone: 0468 862 693