Restoration of Respiratory and Upper Limb function after cervical spinal cord injury (RRULI)

Restoration of Respiratory and Upper Limb function after cervical spinal cord injury (RRULI) is a home-based trial investigating Therapeutic Intermittent Hypoxia (TIH) in combination with breathing and upper limb exercise training in adults with cervical spinal cord injuries.

Interested in participating?

Find out more here

  • Therapeutic intermittent hypoxia (TIH) involves breathing short bursts of low-oxygen air alternating with normal oxygen. It is similar to altitude training. In the RRULI trial, participants complete a 30-minute session of therapeutic intermittent hypoxia with alternating room air and low-oxygen air every minute for 30 minutes. This is followed by 30 minutes of rest and then 30 minutes of exercise training.

    Research suggests that periods of low-oxygen levels may act as a 'neuroplasticity primer,' preparing the brain to create new or stronger neural connections. This may increase the effects of rehabilitation.

    • An overnight sleep study in the participant's home prior to starting the intervention.
    • Assessments of upper limb and breathing function onsite at Austin Health (Heidelberg, Melbourne) pre and post intervention.
    • Intervention sessions at the participant's home delivered three times per week for six weeks by appropriately trained staff; 30 minutes of therapeutic intermittent hypoxia, 30 minutes of rest and 30 minutes of exercise training.

    • There has been limited research to date into therapeutic intermittent hypoxia and the effects on breathing and upper limb function.
    • This is the first study that is based in the home.