MitoQ and ischemic conditioning to improve vascular health after stroke

MitoQ and Ischemic Conditioning To Assess Vascular Health Outcomes (MITO Study)

This project will test whether a brief session of limb ischemic conditioning or taking the antioxidant MitoQ can improve blood vessel function in adults who had a stroke at least six months ago.

Quick facts

• Phase: PHASE2
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 30 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 85 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Medical College of Wisconsin (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Milwaukee, Wisconsin)
• Trial ID: NCT06930638 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

In this Phase 2 interventional trial, adults with chronic cortical or subcortical stroke and residual hemiparesis will receive a single bout of ischemic conditioning or oral MitoQ supplementation to examine effects on vascular function. Researchers will measure outcomes such as flow-mediated dilation, microvascular blood flow, and muscle activity before and after the interventions. The protocol targets safety and short-term physiological changes that might underlie improved exercise tolerance and lower secondary cardiovascular risk. The study is conducted at the Medical College of Wisconsin and focuses on objective vascular measures rather than clinical recovery endpoints.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal participants are English-speaking adults aged 18–85 who had a cortical or subcortical stroke at least six months ago with residual hemiparesis and who can follow commands and stand without physical assistance.

Not a fit: People with contraindications to limb compression, peripheral vascular disease, recent myocardial infarction or arrhythmia, uncontrolled high blood pressure, significant comorbid neurological disorders, recent severe COVID-19 hospitalization, or who are pregnant or breastfeeding are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, these interventions could improve vascular function and muscle activity after stroke, which may reduce secondary cardiovascular risk and improve exercise tolerance.

How similar studies have performed: Preliminary data and small studies suggest single bouts of ischemic conditioning or MitoQ may improve vascular function, but larger confirmatory trials are still needed.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* 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

Exclusion Criteria:

* Unable to stand from chair 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)
* History of head trauma or concussion within the past 6 months
* Comorbid neurological disorder
* Peripheral vascular disease
* Myocardial infarction or arrhythmia in the previous year
* Resting SBP ≥180 mmHg or DBP ≥ 100 mmHg
* Pregnant or breastfeeding.
* Other significant medical condition likely to influence study or jeopardize safety as assessed by the Primary Investigator

Where this trial is running

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

• Medical College of Wisconsin — Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Matthew Durand, PhD — Medical College of Wisconsin
• Study coordinator: Jennifer Nguyen

Conditions: Stroke, Ischemic Conditioning, Blood Flow, Microvascular Health, Flow-Mediated Dilation, Antioxidant, Reactive Oxygen Species, Supplement