acute intermittent hypoxia

Acute Intermittent Hypoxia (AIH) is a non-pharmacological therapeutic intervention being developed by researchers at Emory University for the treatment of spinal cord injury (SCI). The protocol involves brief, repeated exposures to low-oxygen gas mixtures (typically 9% oxygen) for 60-90 seconds, alternating with periods of normal room air (normoxia). This cyclic breathing pattern is designed to induce spinal plasticity by stimulating serotonergic neurons in the brainstem, leading to the release of serotonin near motor neurons. This trigger initiates a cellular cascade involving the synthesis of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and the activation of TrkB receptors, which ultimately strengthens spared neural pathways and enhances motor output. Clinical research at Emory has focused on using AIH to improve hand function, walking ability, and grip strength in patients with chronic incomplete cervical spinal cord injuries, often in combination with task-specific training.

Other names

AIHintermittent hypoxia