We’re thrilled to announce that SCIA is supporting a research trial: Restoration of Respiratory and Upper Limb Function after Cervical SCI, a research trial hosted at the University of Melbourne, and conducted by multiple international teams.
Currently, exercise training (ET) is the primary method used to improve upper limb and respiratory function after spinal cord injury. However, it’s unclear whether exercise training leads to long-lasting improvements in function or merely trains intact muscles to substitute for weakened ones.
Recent studies have shown promising results from two new interventions: transcutaneous spinal stimulation (TSS) and therapeutic acute intermittent hypoxia (tAIH). TSS involves non-invasive neurostimulation of the spinal cord to increase its excitability, while tAIH involves alternating pulses of low-oxygen air to promote the growth of new nerve connections.
The research trial will investigate the effects of combining TSS and/or tAIH with exercise training (ET) to see if the therapies can result in lasting improvements in function. The goal is to identify the most effective combination of therapies for future clinical trials.
We’ve been collaborating with several universities and research institutes to advance research aimed at enhancing the lives of people with disabilities. If you want to learn about these projects or get involved, please visit our Research Corner for more information.
