This disclosure provides methods and compositions for treating disorders or injuries that affect motor function and control in a subject. In one aspect, the invention a transgene product is delivered to a subject's spinal cord by administering a recombinant viral vector containing the transgene to the spinal cord. The viral vector delivers the transgene which expresses the encoded recombinant viral gene product. The viral gene product comprises HIF1-alpha. Also provided are compositions for delivery of a transgene product to a subject's spinal cord.