Remote ischaemic conditioning to improve brain blood-flow regulation in older adults
Official title: Remote Ischaemic Conditioning in the Older Person and Effects on Dynamic Cerebral Autoregulation
Run by University of Nottingham · NCT07179887 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will test whether different doses of remote ischaemic conditioning (brief blood-pressure-cuff interruptions of limb blood flow) can improve dynamic cerebral autoregulation in people aged 65–85.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 65 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 45 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Nottingham Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Derby, Derbyshire) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 27, 2025 |
| Main results expected | September 1, 2027 |
| Study ends | September 30, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | September 18, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07179887 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 65–85 who can give informed consent, have no recent cardiovascular or cerebrovascular events, do not have major arrhythmias or peripheral vascular disease, and can perform the cuff-based RIC independently at home.
✕Probably not a fit
People with active cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease within the past 12 months, atrial fibrillation or other significant arrhythmias, peripheral vascular disease, bleeding disorders, upper-limb injury, current neurological or psychiatric conditions, or who cannot be located for transcranial Doppler assessment are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized interventional study assigns participants aged 65–85 to daily remote ischaemic conditioning, thrice-weekly remote ischaemic conditioning, or sham thrice-weekly conditioning for six weeks. Participants self-administer the cuff-based intervention at home and attend the University of Nottingham (or Royal Derby Hospital Centre) at baseline and at six weeks for measurements. Primary measurements include blood pressure, indices of dynamic cerebral autoregulation obtained by transcranial Doppler, and blood plasma samples for vascular biomarkers. The trial tests whether higher-intensity RIC protocols produce a larger change in these biomarkers compared with lower-intensity or sham protocols.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could provide a simple, low-cost home therapy to strengthen brain blood-flow regulation and vascular resilience in older adults, potentially lowering stroke-related risk.
How similar studies have gone: Previous RIC research has produced mixed results—some randomized trials reported benefit in post-stroke treatment or secondary prevention of symptomatic intracranial atherosclerosis, while other trials (for example RESIST) were neutral—so the approach shows promise but is not consistently proven.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Participant is willing and able to give informed consent for participation in the study * Participant aged 65 - 85 * Participant is able to perform RIC independently at home Exclusion Criteria: * Active cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease (acute event within the last 12 months) * Atrial fibrillation or other significant arrhythmias * Peripheral Vascular Disease * Haemostatic disorders * Soft tissue injury or fracture to the upper limb * Pregnant or breast feeding * History or current psychiatric illness * History or current neurological condition (e.g. epilepsy) * Inability to identify temporal window for transcranial doppler ultrasound at screening visit * Any condition or presentation under current investigation that is deemed by the study clinician to exclude the participant from the study. * Having taken part in a research study in the last 3 months involving invasive procedures or an inconvenience allowance
Where it's running
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School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Royal Derby Hospital Centre
Derby, Derbyshire, United Kingdom Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Tim England, MBChB PhD — University of Nottingham
- Study coordinator: Harry Keevil, MB BChir
- Email: harry.keevil@nottingham.ac.uk
- Phone: +441332 724676
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.