Breathing Low Oxygen to Enhance Spinal Stimulation Training and Functional Recovery in Persons With Chronic SCI: The BO2ST Trial
The purpose of this study is to determine how combining bouts of low oxygen, transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation, and walking training may improve walking function for people with chronic spinal cord injury.
• 18 to 70 years of age
• medically stable with medical clearance from study physician to participate
• SCI at or below C2 (phrenic sparing) and at or above L2 with at least some sensory or motor function preserved below the neurologic level
• non-progressive etiology of spinal injury
• American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) scores of C-D at initial screen
• ambulatory (able to complete the 10-meter walk test without support from another person)
• chronic injury (define as \> 12 months post-injury) to avoid potential for spontaneous neurological plasticity and recovery