[2] When used as a rehabilitative intervention, particularly for respiration and walking, intermittent hypoxia typically works by using long-term facilitation (LTF).

[4][5] Reduced partial pressures of oxygen in the arteries due to intermittent hypoxia are sensed by and stimulate the carotid body, a chemoafferent receptor.

[5] This signal transduction pathway then uses downstream molecules such as TrkB,[8] BDNF,[8] and PKA[9] to increase the synaptic output of the involved motor neuron which in turn increases the motor output of the involved muscles and, thus, decreases functional impairment.

For the respiratory system, the LTF facilitated by intermittent hypoxia aids in increasing phrenic motor nerve output.

[18] The ability to increase muscle activity, specifically for walking, has also been demonstrated in both rats[16] and humans[19] after spinal cord injury.

[23] Nitric oxide level changes due to intermittent hypoxia also provide potential benefits.