Using red light to improve blood flow in healthy adults
Peripheral Blood Flow Responses to Electromagnetic Energy
NA · University of Alabama at Birmingham · NCT02370199
This study is testing if shining red light on healthy adults can improve blood flow in their leg muscles.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 59 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Alabama at Birmingham (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Milwaukee, Wisconsin) |
| Trial ID | NCT02370199 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the effects of 670 nm red light energy on blood flow in healthy adults by measuring vessel dilation in the gastrocnemius muscle. Participants will receive red light exposure along with a continuous infusion of Definity, an ultrasound contrast agent, to assess changes in blood flow. The study will involve one visit where blood flow measurements will be taken before and after the light exposure using contrast-enhanced ultrasound. The goal is to determine how different intensities of red light affect blood flow dynamics.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are healthy adults aged 18 to 60 who meet the inclusion criteria.
Not a fit: Patients with underlying health conditions such as diabetes, cancer, or cardiovascular diseases may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to new non-invasive methods for enhancing blood flow in various medical conditions.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of light therapy is gaining interest, this specific approach to measuring blood flow responses to red light is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Participants will be healthy subjects over the age of 18. * Men and women will be recruited for participation. * All ethnicities will be included in this study. Exclusion Criteria: Exclusionary criteria include: * age under 18 years and those over 60 years of age, * those who are unable to understand the consent process, * those who cannot read or speak English, * a history of cancer, * peripheral artery disease, * diabetes mellitus, * active pregnancy, * hypersensitivity to perflutren contrast agents, * pulmonary hypertension, * chronic kidney disease, * active tobacco or drug use, * blood pressure over 160/90, BMI\>30, * sickle cell disease, or * history of intracardiac shunt. Additional exclusion criteria include: * a history of coronary artery disease, * heart failure, * the presence of an implanted defibrillator or pacemaker, * a history of heart murmur or rhythm disorder (atrial fibrillation, atrial tachycardia, or ventricular tachycardia), * neurological diseases such as stroke, and * any uncontrolled medical conditions.
Where this trial is running
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Medical College of Wisconsin — Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Nicole L Lohr, MD, PhD — Medical College of Wisconsin
- Study coordinator: Nicole L Lohr, MD, PhD
- Email: nlohr@uabmc.edu
- Phone: 205-996-3504
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.
Conditions: Exposure to Man-made Visible Light