AIH-induced Walking Recovery After Subacute SCI

Each participant will be exposed to 10 sessions of daily acute intermittent hypoxia (dAIH) via air generators. The generator will fill reservoir bags attached to a non-rebreathing facemask. Each session will consist of 15 episodes which include intervals of 1.5 minute hypoxia (FIO2=0.10±0.02, i.e. 10% O2) and 1 minute normoxia (FIO2=0.21±0.02). Participants will receive 5 consecutive days of daily acute intermittent hypoxia (dAIH).

Each participant will be exposed to 10 sessions of daily room air (dSHAM) via air generators. The generator will fill reservoir bags attached to a non-rebreathing facemask. Each session will consist of 15 episodes of 1.5 minute normoxia (FIO2=0.21±0.02). Participants will receive 5 consecutive days of daily room air (dSHAM).

"Participants will participate in 10 days of walking practice sessions. Walking practice sessions will immediately follow (within 60 minutes) the breathing intervention during training visits and will last for 60 minutes.~Walking practice will incorporate 5 walking-related tasks:~1. walking balance (e.g., walking with turns)~2. skilled walking tasks (e.g., negotiating obstacles)~3. walking with secondary task (e.g., walking and talking)~4. endurance~5. speed"