Daily acute intermittent hypoxia combined with walking practice enhances walking performance but not intralimb motor coordination in persons with chronic incomplete spinal cord injury
This study explored how combining Acute Intermittent Hypoxia (low oxygen breathing) and walking practice affects walking performance and coordination in people with chronic complete spinal cord injuries. Results suggest that this combination increases walking speeds and distances, but may not have any effect on limb coordination while walking. Surprisingly to the researchers, the largest improvements were found in participants that utilize arm-driven walking aids. Authors believe that future studies should investigate and understand the impact of arm-driven walking aids on walking ability as it effects the training targets of combined AIH and walking training.
Exp Neurol. 2021 Jun;340:113669. doi: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2021.113669. Epub 2021 Feb 27. PMID:33647273 | PMC:PMC8119335 | DOI:10.1016/j.expneurol.2021.113669
