Assessing Upper Extremity Function in Chronic Stroke Survivors Through Acute Intermittent Hypoxia

Launched by SHIRLEY RYAN ABILITYLAB · Aug 7, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a special breathing method called acute intermittent hypoxia to see if it can help improve arm and hand function in people who have had a stroke. The researchers want to understand how this breathing technique affects muscle strength and movement in stroke survivors. This method has been found safe before and may help people with disabilities regain some strength.

People who might be eligible for this study are adults aged 65 to 74 who have had their first stroke on one side of the brain at least six months ago. They need to be able to open and close their affected hand and communicate in English. Participants must also be healthy enough to safely try the breathing technique, including having a certain level of hemoglobin (a part of the blood) and no serious heart or lung problems. If chosen, participants will visit the research center, and they must be able to come with someone or use group transportation. Women who can become pregnant will need to confirm they are not pregnant before taking part. This study is not yet recruiting, but if you qualify, you can help researchers learn more about ways to improve movement after stroke.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • A first time, unilateral, ischemic, hemispheric stroke, confirmed by MRI
• • Chedoke stage of hand assessment \>= 3
• • Ability to open and close affected hand
• • Able to understand and communicate in english
• • Able to independently consent
• • over 6 months post stroke
• • Must have a hemoglobin level above 10g/dl
• • Must have ability to leave research visit with a compainon/group trasportation
• • WOCBP must be comfortable confirming negative pregnancy prior to hypoxia
• • Must not be involved in any other research intervention study testing upper extremities
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • History of prior neurological disorders
• • Brain stem or cerebellar stroke; mean Fazekas score rated on initial fluid-attenuated inversion recovery MRI greater than equal to 3
• • Severe Aphasisa
• • Pre-existing hypoxic pulmonary disease
• • Includes positive Covid-pneumonia diagnosis within 1 year of screening visit
• • Severe hypertension (\>160/100)
• • Any ischemic cardiac disease