Assessing blood flow restriction training in older stroke patients

Feasibility of Blood Flow Restriction Training in Stroke Patients on a Geriatric Ward

Not applicable Interventional Universitaire Ziekenhuizen KU Leuven · NCT06398041

This study is testing if a new type of exercise called blood flow restriction training can be safely used with older stroke patients to see if it helps them recover better alongside their regular therapy.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment16 (estimated)
Ages65 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversitaire Ziekenhuizen KU Leuven Academic / other
Locations1 site (Pellenberg)
Trial IDNCT06398041 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This interventional study evaluates the feasibility of blood flow restriction training (BFRT) in geriatric patients who have suffered a stroke. Participants will engage in an 8-session BFRT program over four weeks, in addition to standard physiotherapy, to assess safety, tolerance, and the willingness of patients to undergo this training. The study aims to determine the proportion of eligible individuals and evaluate the potential for a larger effectiveness study based on initial findings. Experienced physiotherapists will guide the training, focusing on specific exercises tailored to individual patient goals.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are geriatric patients aged 65 and older who are medically stable and have a diagnosis of stroke.

Not a fit: Patients with severe comorbidities or cognitive impairments that prevent understanding of the exercises may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance muscle strength and functional recovery in older stroke patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown positive outcomes with blood flow restriction training in various populations, suggesting potential for success in this geriatric stroke population.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
A. Patients

Inclusion Criteria patients:

* Patients admitted to the geriatric rehabilitation unit
* ≥ 65years old
* Medically stable as determined by the attending physician
* Expecting at least 5 weeks of rehabilitation
* Diagnosis of stroke (haemorrhagic/ischemic)
* medical research council-scores of 2-3/5 for certain muscle groups
* Being able to understand the exercises
* signed informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Skin lesions located at the site of the cuff
* Cognitive impairment making it impossible to understand the exercises
* Severe comorbidities: (Deep Venous Thrombosis; Open wounds or infected wounds; Dialysis; Cancer; Severe High Blood pressure)

B. Healthcare workers:

Inclusion Criteria

* being physiotherapist involved in the practical application of BFRT
* signed informed consent

Where this trial is running

Pellenberg

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions StrokeGeriatric patientsGeriatric rehabilitationBlood Flow Restriction TrainingPhysiotherapyStrength trainingstroke
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.