Caffeine and Intermittent Hypoxia in Spinal Cord Injury
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“Effects of Caffeine and Intermittent Hypoxia on Leg Function in Human Spinal Cord Injury”
Accumulating evidence suggests that repeatedly breathing low oxygen levels for brief periods (termed intermittent hypoxia) is a safe and effective treatment strategy to promote meaningful functional recovery in persons with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI). The goal of the study is to understand how caffeine may augment the effects of intermittent hypoxia on motor function and spinal plasticity (ability of the nervous system to strengthen neural pathways based on new experiences) following SCI.
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Drug - Caffeine
Subjects will ingest capsules containing caffeine (up to 6mg/kg). Experiments will begin 30min after consumption to approximately coincide with peak plasma concentrations.Throughout the 30min wait time and experimentation, blood pressure and heart rate will be monitored.
AIH
Participants will breathe intermittent low oxygen via air generators. The generators will fill reservoir bags attached to a non-rebreathing face mask. Oxygen concentration will be continuously monitored to ensure delivery of FIO2 (fraction of inspired oxygen) = 0.10±0.02 (hypoxia). Throughout experimentation, blood pressure and heart rate will be monitored.
Placebo
This is a placebo counterpart to the caffeine drug. Subjects will ingest capsules containing dextrose. Experiments will begin 30min after consumption to mimic the caffeine drug protocol. Throughout experimentation, blood oxygenation, blood pressure and heart rate will be monitored.
SHAM
This is a placebo counterpart to breathing intermittent low oxygen. Participants will breathe intermittent room air via air generators. The generators will fill reservoir bags attached to a non-rebreathing face mask. Oxygen concentration will be continuously monitored to ensure delivery of FIO2 (fraction of inspired oxygen) = 0.21±0.02 (normoxia). Throughout experimentation, blood pressure and heart rate will be monitored.
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The Effects of Intermittent Hypoxia on Leg Function in Human Spinal Cord Injury (Caffeine Substudy)
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NCT02323698
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