American Heart Association- Stroke/Hypoxia Study
- Conditions
- Stroke
- Interventions
- Other: Acute Intermittent Hypoxia (AIH)
- Registration Number
- NCT04019522
- Lead Sponsor
- Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
- Brief Summary
Of the 795,000 people who experience a stroke every year in the US, only a small percentage will achieve full recovery. While current therapies promote strength and endurance, none directly address the unique potential of the brain to reorganize following injury. The goal of this project is to explore the effects of a novel therapy, acute intermittent hypoxia (AIH). During this therapy, individuals receive brief bouts of reduced oxygen levels by inhalation through a face mask. (This is akin to being on top of a tall mountain). In brief exposures, AIH is known to trigger the release of specific proteins that help the brain adapt to oxygen reductions. Published results in people with incomplete spinal cord injury have shown that AIH enhances muscle strength and coordination rather quickly. The research team aims to study the effects of AIH in stroke survivors.
- Detailed Description
Stroke is the second leading cause of death and a leading cause of long-term disability worldwide. Despite the spontaneous recovery that occurs following a hemispheric stroke, more than half of stroke patients show substantial residual impairments, imposing a significant human and economic burden. This burden is likely to increase in coming decades, due to a rapidly aging population, and the associated progression of cardiovascular risk factors. Accordingly, new interventions to alleviate impairment in stroke survivors are urgently needed. The development and testing of one such novel intervention, termed Acute Intermittent Hypoxia (AIH), is the primary focus of this AHA Innovative Project Award.
The aim is to answer questions related to safety and preliminary efficacy of AIH in stroke survivors. First, the Investigators will establish whether brief reductions in inhaled oxygen concentration can be safely tolerated in stroke survivors. A clinician will closely monitor subjects for any adverse events.
The second aim is to establish the effects of AIH on elbow flexion/extension strength, and on hand grip and pinch strength. Subjects will be monitored closely for any adverse events during these experiments. Data will be analyzed to determine if there is an improvement in key outcomes at any dose level.
Recruitment & Eligibility
- Status
- ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING
- Sex
- All
- Target Recruitment
- 12
Not provided
Not provided
Study & Design
- Study Type
- INTERVENTIONAL
- Study Design
- SINGLE_GROUP
- Arm && Interventions
Group Intervention Description Hypoxia Acute Intermittent Hypoxia (AIH) During each session, study participants will receive a single sequence of AIH, consisting of 15 x 60-seconds periods of hypoxia alternating with 90-seconds of normoxia (21% O2), for a total of 30 minutes, whilst in a seated upright position. AIH will be applied by directing gas flow to a reservoir bag connected via plastic tubing to a non re-breathing facemask/respiratory valve system while the participants are in a seated position. Defined gas mixtures will be delivered by manual adjustment of one-way valves attached to a hypoxia generator.
- Primary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method Clinical/neurological status over the duration of the study 6 days All adverse events will be reviewed for safety and study continuation by the medical monitor.
- Secondary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method Pinch Strength 6 days Hydraulic Handheld Dynamometer): A dynamometer measures maximum gross grasp (lb.) averaged over 3 attempts with each hand. The minimum possible value of zero lb. will be assigned when the participant cannot actively flex the fingers or grasp the dynamometer.
National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) 6 days is a tool used by healthcare providers to objectively quantify the impairment caused by a stroke. The NIHSS is composed of 11 items, each of which scores a specific ability between a 0 and 4. For each item, a score of 0 typically indicates normal function in that specific ability, while a higher score is indicative of some level of impairment. The individual scores from each item are summed in order to calculate a patient's total NIHSS score ranging from 0-42.
Fugl- Meyer Assessment 6 days Each test element will be graded on a 3-point ordinal scale and summed up to provide a maximum upper limb score of 66. Reliability and validity have been demonstrated. The FMA will be administered while the subject is seated.
Elbow strength 6 days monitoring changes in isometric elbow flexion force using a dynamometer. A total of three trials will be taken on each side, with a rest break between trials. The average of the three trials will be recorded.
D-KEFS Color-Word Interference Test 6 days A neuropsychological measure that seeks to evaluate attention and inhibition. Subjects will be asked to read words or name ink colors as quickly as possible within a given time limit. The test supplies the examiner with three separate scores, including an ability to calculate an interference score. This final score allows for interpretation of cognitive flexibility, creativity and cognitive stress. This measure will be utilized to monitor subjects throughout their participation at specific time-points. Audio recording may be taken to ensure accurate recording of responses
5 minute neurological test 6 days Quick short tests to assess clinical status
Modified Ashworth Scale 6 days This scale allows for characterization of increases in muscle tone, from low or normal tone to complete limb rigidity. Specifically, we will evaluate the elbow flexors, bilaterally
Grip strength 6 days A dynamometer measures maximum gross grasp (lb.) averaged over three attempts with each hand. The minimum possible value of zero lb. will be assigned when the participant cannot actively flex the fingers or grasp the dynamometer. Completed bilaterally, if possible
Trial Locations
- Locations (1)
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
🇺🇸Chicago, Illinois, United States