Clinical Research Directory
Browse clinical research sites, groups, and studies.
Brain Connectivity and Corticospinal Excitability in Response to Moderate Hypoxia
Sponsor: Universite du Littoral Cote d'Opale
Summary
Hypoxia, defined as a reduction in the availability of oxygen, induces significant physiological adaptations. While the deleterious effects of severe and chronic hypoxia are well documented, several studies indicate that moderate hypoxia - particularly when administered intermittently - may produce beneficial effects on cardiometabolic health (e.g., improved regulation of blood pressure and better glycaemic control). However, its impact on the dynamics of brain circuits in humans remains relatively underexplored. The present project aims to characterise the effects of continuous and intermittent moderate hypoxia on resting-state brain dynamics in healthy adults. To this end, simultaneous electroencephalography (EEG) and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) recordings will be conducted in order to extract functional and haemodynamic markers of brain activity. This project will contribute to a better understanding of the neurophysiological mechanisms associated with hypoxic conditioning and to the assessment of its potential application in innovative therapeutic approaches.
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 65 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
36
Start Date
2026-03-15
Completion Date
2026-12-20
Last Updated
2026-04-07
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Interventions
Moderate hypoxia
Altitude conditions (normobaric hypoxia) will be reproduced using the OnePlus VA device (GO2Altitude, Biomedtech, Melbourne, Australia). This device modulates the fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO₂) through a patented semi-permeable membrane system developed by the company. It thereby produces a gas mixture that is inhaled by the participant through a mask. This device included an oxygen-reduction algorithm, that adjusts the FiO₂ in real time according to a target peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO₂ = 85-90%).
Normoxia
Ambient air will be delivered through the same mask as that used during the hypoxia conditions.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
Single- and paired-pulse TMS will be applied over the primary motor cortex (M1) to assess corticospinal excitability, along with intracortical inhibitory and facilitatory mechanisms. Motor-evoked potentials will be recorded from the abductor pollicis brevis (APB) muscle of the dominant hand.
Locations (1)
Eurasport
Loos, Hauts-de-France, France