Using passive leg movement to assess vascular health in aging veterans

Passive Limb Movement: A Tool to Assess Vascular Health and Guide Rehabilitation

Observational VA Office of Research and Development · NCT03625349

This study looks at how moving the legs without effort can help us understand blood vessel health in older veterans and find better ways to support their recovery and heart health.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment130 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorVA Office of Research and Development Federal
Locations1 site (Salt Lake City, Utah)
Trial IDNCT03625349 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study focuses on the relationship between passive limb movement and vascular health in an aging population, particularly U.S. veterans. It aims to assess endothelial function and nitric oxide bioavailability through non-invasive ultrasound Doppler measurements of blood flow in the common femoral artery. By understanding how arterial aging contributes to cardiovascular disease, the study seeks to identify potential methods for improving rehabilitation strategies for those with mobility limitations and cardiovascular dysfunction.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include young healthy individuals without cardiovascular disease and patients referred for angiography.

Not a fit: Patients with poor kidney function or existing cardiovascular disease may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a clinically accepted method for assessing vascular health, potentially improving rehabilitation outcomes for aging patients with cardiovascular disease.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using non-invasive methods to assess vascular health, but this specific approach is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Young healthy subjects: No evidence of cardiovascular disease.
* Patients undergoing angiography: Clinical referral for an angiography.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Young healthy subjects: Evidence of cardiovascular disease.
* Patients undergoing angiography: Poor kidney function.

Where this trial is running

Salt Lake City, Utah

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 AgingCardiovascular Disease
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.