Background MS significantly impacts motor and cognitive function, yet therapies to effectively address these impairments remain limited. This study explores acute intermittent hypoxia (AIH) as a novel intervention for enhancing neuroplasticity and functional improvement in individuals with MS.

Objective To examine the efficacy of a single AIH session in improving spinal motor output and cognitive performance in MS.

Methods A randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled and crossover study was done in 10 individuals with relapsing-remitting MS. Participants underwent both AIH and sham AIH on separate days. AIH consisted of 15 brief exposures of low oxygen (9% O2) alternating with normoxia (i.e., room air). Sham AIH comprised of normoxic episodes. Pre- and post-intervention evaluations included isometric ankle torque to assess motor strength and standardized tests to evaluate cognitive function.

Results Participants showed a significant increase in both plantarflexion and dorsiflexion ankle torque (p < .05), alongside significant enhancements in cognitive processing speeds as measured by the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (p < .01) after AIH. No changes were observed in auditory/verbal memory, and no adverse events were reported.

Conclusion AIH presents a promising intervention for inducing neuroplasticity and improving rehabilitation outcomes in MS, suggesting the need for further exploration into its long-term impacts and mechanisms.

The authors have declared no competing interest.

NCT04280484

This study was funded by a National Multiple Sclerosis Society grant.

I confirm all relevant ethical guidelines have been followed, and any necessary IRB and/or ethics committee approvals have been obtained.

Yes

The details of the IRB/oversight body that provided approval or exemption for the research described are given below:

IRBs of Northwestern University and Hines Veteran Affairs gave ethical approval for this work.

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All data produced in the present study are available upon reasonable request to the authors.