Mild Intermittent Hypoxia: A Prophylactic for Autonomic Dysfunction in Individuals With Spinal Cord Injuries
2023 Undergraduate Research Symposium
Lexi Soltesz (biological sciences), Fiona Zhao, Megan Hofman
Faculty mentor: Gino Panza
Abstract
A central health issue for those with a chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) above the sixth thoracic vertebrae is autonomic dysfunction. Autonomic dysfunction results in significant increases and decreases in blood pressure and negatively affects health-related quality of life.
This uncontrolled blood pressure also negatively impacts cognitive function and adherence to rehabilitation programs. Additionally, the lesion itself impairs motor function thereby resulting in decreased physical activity and impaired mitochondrial function. Moreover, autonomic dysfunction can lead to an increased risk of stroke, and therefore increased mortality. Mild intermittent hypoxia (MIH), an experimental protocol in which participants experience lower oxygen, in a controlled and repetitive sequence, has been shown to improve blood pressure control in humans.
Our study aims to investigate the impact of MIH on autonomic dysfunction during in-lab provocation and during in-home testing. Likewise, we will also investigate the impact of MIH on mitochondrial and microvascular function and motor function. Our preliminary data shows that MIH may improve autonomic dysfunction which may be explained by improvements in baroreceptor and/or mitochondrial and endothelial function. As evidenced by our preliminary data, MIH is a promising potential protocol for improving health-related quality of life in those with SCI.
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Lexi Soltesz: Mild Intermittent Hypoxia: A Prophylactic for Autonomic Dysfunction in Individuals with Spinal Cord Injuries