RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Remote Ischaemic Conditioning in the Older Person and Effects on Dynamic Cerebral Autoregulation

Researchers are investigating a technique called Remote Ischaemic Conditioning (RIC), where blood flow to an arm is briefly reduced using a blood pressure cuff. This is thought to help improve the health of blood vessels throughout the body, including those in the brain, which keeps brain blood flow steady (called Dynamic Cerebral Autoregulation). This study aims to find out if doing RIC more intensely, either daily or three times a week, has a better effect on these health markers compared to a 'sham' (fake) treatment. We'll be looking at older adults aged 65-85, measuring their blood pressure and brain blood flow control at the start and after 6 weeks to see any changes. The goal is to understand the best way to use RIC to support brain health.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Nottingham

Enrolment target

Start

27 Aug 2025

Estimated completion

30 Sep 2027

Cerebral Autoregulation Blood Pressure Dynamic Cerebral Autoregulation

What is this study about?

You might have heard about keeping your heart healthy, but did you know that keeping the blood vessels supplying your brain healthy is really important too? As we get older, our blood vessels can get a bit stiff, which can affect how well blood flows to the brain. Researchers are very interested in a technique called "Remote Ischaemic Conditioning" (RIC). This involves briefly stopping and starting blood flow in an arm or leg, usually by inflating a blood pressure cuff tightly for a few minutes and then releasing it, repeating this a few times. The idea is that these short periods of restricted blood flow can actually help make blood vessels healthier throughout the whole body.

Previous studies have shown that RIC might be helpful for various health issues, but it's not clear exactly how to do it for the best effect. For example, how often should someone do it? This study focuses on how well the brain can keep its blood flow steady, even when blood pressure changes – this is called "Dynamic Cerebral Autoregulation." We want to see if doing RIC more often or more intensely can make a bigger improvement in this important brain function in older people.

So, this research is looking at whether doing RIC every day or three times a week for six weeks has a better impact on key signs of blood vessel health, including how well your brain controls its blood flow, compared to a 'sham' (placebo) treatment. By understanding the best way to use RIC, we hope to find new ways to support brain health as people get older. This study is an important step in figuring out how to use this technique effectively.

Key takeaways

The study explores a technique called Remote Ischaemic Conditioning (RIC) for brain blood vessel health.
It aims to find out if doing RIC more often improves how your brain controls its blood flow.
Participants will be aged 65-85 and visit the School of Medicine twice over 6 weeks.
You'll do RIC at home daily, three times a week, or a 'sham' treatment, using an easy device.
Measurements include blood pressure, brain blood flow checks, and blood samples.
This research hopes to find better ways to support brain health in older adults.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for people aged between 65 and 85 years old. To join, you need to be able to understand the study and agree to take part. You also need to be able to do the RIC treatment on your own at home, as part of the study involves this.

There are some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. If you've had certain serious health problems recently, like a heart attack, stroke, or a mini-stroke (TIA) in the last year, or if you have certain heart conditions like atrial fibrillation or problems with blood clots, you won't be able to take part. Also, if you have issues with circulation in your limbs (like peripheral vascular disease), or if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a significant mental health condition or certain nerve problems like epilepsy, you won't be suitable.

Basically, we're looking for generally healthy older adults who don't have major or recent heart, brain, or circulation problems that could be affected by the study treatment. We also need to be able to do a specific type of brain scan on you.

Quick self-check

Are you between 65 and 85 years old?
Can you give your consent (permission) to take part in the study?
Can you do the RIC treatment on your own at home?
Have you had a heart attack, stroke, or severe heart problems in the last year?
Do you have a current or recent serious mental health or nerve condition (like epilepsy)?
Are you pregnant or breastfeeding?

This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you'll be involved for a total of 6 weeks. You will be asked to visit the School of Medicine twice: once at the very beginning of the study (this is called the 'baseline' visit) and again after 6 weeks.

During these visits, we will take some measurements to assess your blood vessel health. This will include checking your blood pressure, looking at how well your brain controls its blood flow (called Dynamic Cerebral Autoregulation), and collecting a small blood sample. These measurements help us see if there have been any changes over the 6 weeks.

Between these visits, you'll be asked to carry out the Remote Ischaemic Conditioning (RIC) treatment at home. Depending on which group you're placed in, you will either do RIC daily, three times a week, or you'll be in a 'sham' group, where you'll do a similar procedure but without the actual blood flow restriction. You won't know which group you're in, and neither will the researchers, to make sure the results are fair. The devices for RIC are easy to use and you will be fully trained on how to use them safely at home. You won't be given any new medications as part of this study.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may or may not directly benefit your health. The aim is to learn more about how RIC works, which could help future patients. Potential benefits could include a better understanding of your own blood pressure and brain blood flow. As with all medical procedures, there are some minor potential risks involved with the RIC treatment, such as some temporary discomfort or redness in the arm where the cuff is applied during the procedure. The blood tests involve a small needle stick, which can sometimes cause a little bruise. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Royal Derby Hospital Centre
Derby, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is Remote Ischaemic Conditioning (RIC)?

It's a technique where a blood pressure cuff on your arm or leg is briefly tightened and loosened a few times to temporarily reduce blood flow. This is thought to help improve blood vessel health.

What is 'Dynamic Cerebral Autoregulation'?

This is how well your brain can keep its blood flow steady and constant, even when your body's blood pressure changes slightly. It's a sign of good brain blood vessel health.

Will I know if I'm getting the real treatment or the sham?

No, neither you nor the research team will know which group you are in. This is called a 'blinded' study, and it helps make sure the results are as fair and unbiased as possible.

What does 'biomarkers of vascular health' mean?

These are simply measurable signs in your body, like your blood pressure or how well your brain blood flow is regulated, that tell us about the health of your blood vessels.

Do I have to take any new medicines?

No, this study does not involve taking or stopping any medications. You will continue with any medicines prescribed by your doctor.

How to find out more

Harry Keevil, MB BChir

harry.keevil@nottingham.ac.uk +441332 724676 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.