American Heart Association- Stroke/Hypoxia Study

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.