Passive Limb Movement Study

Description

Stroke survivors have compromised vascular function which may contribute to secondary stroke risk, cardiovascular disease, and may limit their exercise tolerance. No studies have examined how femoral blood flow responds to both passive leg movement, a measure of microvascular function, as well as active leg contractions, a measure of the hyperemic response to exercise. Leg muscles with a reduced blood flow response to movement could be associated with decreased neuromuscular function, such as leg strength and fatigue. Preliminary data showing a single bout of ischemic conditioning may improve vascular function and muscle activation in healthy adults and individuals post-stroke. Therefore, the investigators want to examine if ischemic conditioning will also improve the blood flow response to passive leg movements as well as during single leg active contractions.

Conditions

Stroke, Vascular Diseases, Ischemic

Study Overview

Study Details

Study overview

Stroke survivors have compromised vascular function which may contribute to secondary stroke risk, cardiovascular disease, and may limit their exercise tolerance. No studies have examined how femoral blood flow responds to both passive leg movement, a measure of microvascular function, as well as active leg contractions, a measure of the hyperemic response to exercise. Leg muscles with a reduced blood flow response to movement could be associated with decreased neuromuscular function, such as leg strength and fatigue. Preliminary data showing a single bout of ischemic conditioning may improve vascular function and muscle activation in healthy adults and individuals post-stroke. Therefore, the investigators want to examine if ischemic conditioning will also improve the blood flow response to passive leg movements as well as during single leg active contractions.

Passive Limb Movement Study

Passive Limb Movement Study

Condition
Stroke
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Milwaukee

Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States, 53226

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • * Individuals Post-Stroke
  • * 18 - 85 years of age
  • * Cortical or sub-cortical stroke ≥ 6 months ago with residual hemiparesis
  • * Able to give informed consent and follow 2-step command.
  • * English Speaking
  • * Age- and Sex-Matched Controls (CON)
  • * Matched to age of individual post- stroke ± 5 years.
  • * Matched to sex of individual post-stroke
  • * Able to give informed consent and follow 2-step command.
  • * English Speaking
  • * Young Healthy Adults (CONyoung)
  • * Age 18-30 years old
  • * Able to give informed consent and follow 2-step command.
  • * English Speaking
  • * All Groups
  • * Unable to stand from chair and walk 10 meters without physical assistance from another person (able to use assistive device).
  • * History of blood clots in the extremities or any condition in which compression of the thigh or transient ischemia is contraindicated (i.e., wounds in the leg).
  • * Chronic lasting symptoms (\> 6 months) of severe COVID-19 (i.e., hospitalization)
  • * Low back or hip pain that limits lower extremity motor testing.
  • * History of head trauma or concussion within the past 6 months
  • * Comorbid neurological disorder
  • * Peripheral vascular disease
  • * Myocardial infarction in the previous year
  • * Condition where fatiguing contractions or resisted leg contractions are contraindicated
  • * Resting SBP ≥180 mmHg or DBP ≥ 100 mmHg
  • * Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
  • * Other significant medical condition likely to influence study or jeopardize safety as assessed by the Primary Investigator
  • * CON and CONyoung
  • * History of Stroke

Ages Eligible for Study

18 Years to 85 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Collaborators and Investigators

Medical College of Wisconsin,

Matthew Durand, PhD, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, Medical College of Wisconsin

Study Record Dates

2025-12-31