Improving blood vessel health in frail older adults through exercise and conditioning
Ischemic Conditioning to Promote Microvascular Resiliency in Frail Individuals
This study is testing whether high-intensity exercise and a special conditioning technique can help improve blood vessel health in frail older adults.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 65 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Medical College of Wisconsin Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Wauwatosa, Wisconsin) |
| Trial ID | NCT05808686 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to investigate how small blood vessels in frail elderly individuals respond to high-intensity exercise and whether a technique called ischemic conditioning can enhance their resilience. Participants will undergo assessments of frailty and physical function, followed by exercise tests and microvascular evaluations. The study involves three visits, where participants will perform exercises and use a blood pressure cuff for home-based conditioning. The goal is to determine if this intervention can protect blood vessels from stress during exercise.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are men and women aged 65-85 who are considered frail but can safely engage in high-intensity exercise.
Not a fit: Patients with recent myocardial infarction, severe obesity, heart failure, or other conditions that prevent high-intensity exercise may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved vascular health and exercise tolerance in frail older adults.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that conditioning can protect athletes from exercise stress, but this specific approach in frail elderly individuals is novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Women and men ages 65-85 years of age Exclusion Criteria: * Myocardial infarction in last 6 months * morbid obesity (BMI \>40) * heart failure * uncontrolled hypertension * other condition that precludes high intensity exercise (ex, neurological disorder, acute systemic infection) * history of blood clots in the extremities * any condition in which compression of the arm or transient ischemia is contraindicated (e.g., wounds in the arm).
Where this trial is running
Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
- Froedtert Hospital — Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Jennifer Nguyen
- Email: jnguyen@mcw.edu
- Phone: 414-955-1917
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.