Examining the effects of passive leg movement on blood flow in stroke survivors

Passive Limb Movement Study

Not applicable Interventional Medical College of Wisconsin · NCT05935670

This study is testing how moving the legs without effort can improve blood flow in stroke survivors and if it works better with certain techniques compared to healthy individuals.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment55 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 85 Years
SexAll
SponsorMedical College of Wisconsin Academic / other
Locations1 site (Milwaukee, Wisconsin)
Trial IDNCT05935670 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates how passive leg movement affects femoral blood flow in stroke survivors, who often experience compromised vascular function. It aims to assess the blood flow response to both passive movements and active leg contractions, which may be linked to neuromuscular function. The study will also explore whether ischemic conditioning can enhance these blood flow responses. Participants will include stroke survivors, age- and sex-matched controls, and young healthy adults.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals aged 18-85 who are post-stroke with residual hemiparesis.

Not a fit: Patients who are unable to stand or walk without assistance or have contraindications to ischemic conditioning may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved vascular function and exercise tolerance in stroke survivors.

How similar studies have performed: Preliminary data suggest that ischemic conditioning may improve vascular function in healthy adults and stroke survivors, indicating potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion 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

Exclusion Criteria:

* 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

Where this trial is running

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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 StrokeVascular DiseasesIschemicIschemic ConditioningBlood FlowPeripheral Microvascular FunctionNeuromuscular Function
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.