Stroke survivors have compromised vascular function which may contribute to secondary stroke risk, cardiovascular disease, and may limit their exercise tolerance. No studies have examined how femoral blood flow responds to both passive leg movement, a measure of microvascular function, as well as active leg contractions, a measure of the hyperemic response to exercise. Leg muscles with a reduced blood flow response to movement could be associated with decreased neuromuscular function, such as leg strength and fatigue. Preliminary data showing a single bout of ischemic conditioning may improve vascular function and muscle activation in healthy adults and individuals post-stroke. Therefore, the investigators want to examine if ischemic conditioning will also improve the blood flow response to passive leg movements as well as during single leg active contractions.
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Ultrasound Measured Femoral Blood Flow during Passive Limb Movement (PLM)
Timeframe: Change from Baseline PLM Femoral Blood Flow after IC (3 hours)
Ultrasound Measured Femoral Blood Flow during Active Limb Contraction
Timeframe: Change from Baseline MVCs Femoral Blood Flow after IC (3 hours)