Plain-English translation of NCT02922894 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated · Translation generated · How we translate trials
Phase 4 — The treatment has already been approved. Researchers are tracking how it works in a large number of people over time.
This trial is exploring three different approaches to help people with cervical spinal cord injuries who experience sleep apnea—a condition where breathing stops and starts during sleep. Researchers want to test whether supplemental oxygen, the medication , or controlled breathing exercises during low-oxygen exposure can reduce dangerous pauses in breathing at night and improve sleep quality.
People with cervical spinal cord injuries experience a specific type of sleep apnea caused by problems with how their brain controls breathing. Doctors don't yet have proven treatments for this condition, and sleep apnea can seriously affect quality of life and overall health. This study aims to find safe, effective treatments that could eventually help many patients sleep better and stay healthier.
You likely qualify if…
You likely don't qualify if…
Depending on which study arm you're assigned to, you might receive supplemental oxygen to breathe during sleep for 6 weeks, take a medication or placebo pill, or undergo controlled low-oxygen breathing exercises while researchers monitor your breathing patterns. You'll have multiple study visits where doctors will measure how well you're breathing during sleep and evaluate your response to treatment. The entire study involves sleep monitoring tests and follow-up evaluations over several weeks.
AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 11, 2026 · Not medical advice
United States
Phase
Post-approval monitoring
Sponsor
John D. Dingell VA Medical Center
Collaborators
United States Department of Defense
Enrollment target
~100 participants
Started
June 2017
Primary completion
January 2026
This trial's estimated completion date has passed — the record may not be fully up to date.
Age range
18 Years – 89 Years
Last updated on clinicaltrials.gov in November 2025.
Reach out to the team running this trial. Response times vary — some teams are faster than others.
Central contact
M Safwan Badr, M.D.
John D. Dingell VA Medical Center
Tell us you're interested and we'll help connect you with the research team. We'll walk you through what to expect first — no email needed to get started.