Remote Ischemic Conditioning for Healthy Adults

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen bySwati M Surkar, PT, PhD

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: East Carolina University

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?Remote ischemic conditioning (RIC) is a clinically feasible method that protects distant organs from severe injury through brief, sub lethal periods of ischemia followed by re-perfusion. Recent studies suggest that RIC, combined with training, improves muscle strength and balance in healthy adults and post-stroke survivors. While the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood, RIC's neuroprotective effects - such as promoting angiogenesis, neurogenesis, and modulating glutamate and GABA synthesis - overlap with neuroplasticity processes. Evidence indicates that neuroplasticity from exercise training occurs not only in the cerebral cortex but also within the spinal cord, yet the role of spinal reflex mechanisms underlying the benefits of RIC remains under explored. Therefore, this study aims to investigate effects of RIC on spinal reflex modulation in healthy adults, both independently and combined with balance training.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for healthy young adults who may have a condition called Ocular Ischemia Syndrome. Participants should be interested in exploring how certain non-invasive treatments can potentially improve muscle strength and balance.

Inclusion Criteria

I am a healthy adult between 18 and 40 years old.

Exclusion Criteria

Individuals who are pregnant

Individuals with balance disorders such as vestibular disorders

I have difficulty seeing.

+3 more

Participant Groups

The study tests Remote Ischemic Conditioning (RIC), which involves brief periods of controlled blood flow restriction, followed by restoration. It's being studied alone and with balance training to see if it helps spinal reflexes and improves balance.

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Placebo Group

Group I: Remote Ischemic Conditioning (RIC)Experimental Treatment2 Interventions

RIC is achieved via blood pressure cuff inflation to at least 20 mmHg above systolic blood pressure to 250 mmHg on the thigh of dominant LE. RIC involves 5 cycles of 5 minutes blood pressure cuff inflation followed by alternating 5 minutes of cuff deflation and requires 45 minutes. RIC is performed on visits 2 - 6.

Group II: Sham conditioningPlacebo Group2 Interventions

Sham conditioning is achieved via blood pressure cuff inflation to 25 mm Hg on the thigh of the dominant LE. Sham involves 5 cycles of 5 minutes blood pressure cuff inflation followed by alternating 5 minutes of cuff deflation and requires 45 minutes. Sham conditioning is performed on visits 2-6.