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Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Remote Ischemic Conditioning in PPMS

This study is exploring a new, non-drug treatment called Remote Ischemic Conditioning (RIC) for people with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (PPMS). RIC involves briefly restricting blood flow to an arm or leg, which is thought to trigger natural protective responses in the body. Researchers want to see if doing this regularly can help prevent walking difficulties from worsening in people with PPMS. While some MS treatments help with active inflammation, progressive MS is harder to treat. Previous studies in stroke patients have shown RIC to be safe and potentially beneficial, leading researchers to wonder if it could also help protect the brain and spinal cord in MS. This trial is checking if RIC, used daily, can make a difference in walking ability, with funding from MS Canada and university donations.

At a glance

Status
Not yet recruiting
Phase
NA
Sponsor
University of Calgary
Enrolment target
45
Start
01 Jul 2024
Estimated completion
01 Dec 2026
Multiple Sclerosis

What is this study about?

This research trial is investigating a new and gentle approach called Remote Ischemic Conditioning, or RIC, for people living with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (PPMS). PPMS is a form of MS where symptoms gradually get worse over time, rather than coming in attacks and remissions. Current treatments for progressive MS don't always work for everyone, and researchers are always looking for better ways to help.

RIC is a treatment that’s been looked at in other conditions, like after a stroke. It works by briefly and gently squeezing blood pressure cuffs around an arm or leg. This temporarily reduces blood flow for a short time, then releases it. The idea is that these short, harmless periods of reduced blood flow can actually trigger the body’s own natural protective responses. These responses might help protect the brain and spinal cord, and even encourage repair, like helping damaged nerve coverings (myelin) to regrow. It's like giving your body a tiny 'wake-up call' to boost its natural defence systems.

Because RIC has been shown to be safe and well-tolerated in other studies, and because it uses the body's own protective mechanisms, researchers believe it could be a promising new way to help people with progressive MS. This study aims to see if doing RIC regularly can specifically help prevent walking problems from getting worse in people with PPMS. The trial is funded by MS Canada and university donations, meaning it’s not influenced by pharmaceutical companies.

Key takeaways

  • Exploring a new, non-drug treatment for PPMS.
  • Aims to prevent walking ability from worsening.
  • Uses simple arm cuffs for daily treatment.
  • RIC is generally considered safe and well-tolerated.
  • Funded by MS Canada and university donations.
  • Not sponsored by drug companies.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be between 18 and 65 years old and have a diagnosis of Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis. The research team will also check your walking ability and make sure it falls within a certain range to see if you're a good fit for this particular study (for example, how fast you can walk a set distance).

There are some reasons why you might not be able to take part. For instance, if your MRI scan shows recent active inflammation, or if you have serious kidney or liver problems. Also, if you're allergic to the dye used in MRI scans, or if you're currently taking certain medications like some immune-modulators (like Ocrelizumab) or blood thinners, you likely won't be able to join. They also want to make sure you're not already taking or planning to start certain MS-related medications during the study.

It's important that you're able and willing to have regular MRI scans with the special dye as part of the study. If you've had blood clots in your arms before, or if you're receiving certain treatments like Botox in your leg muscles, you might also be excluded. These rules are in place to make sure the study is safe for everyone involved and that the results are clear and accurate.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

  1. Are you between 18 and 65 years old?
  2. Do you have a diagnosis of Primary Progressive MS?
  3. Are you able and willing to have MRI scans with dye?
  4. Are you currently not taking certain medications like strong immune-modulators or blood thinners?
  5. Do you not have active inflammation on your recent MRI scan?
  6. Do you not have severe kidney or liver problems?
Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you will be asked to have special blood pressure cuffs placed on your arm. These cuffs will inflate and deflate in cycles, briefly reducing and then restoring blood flow. This process is called Remote Ischemic Conditioning (RIC), and you will do it daily. The study aims to see if this treatment can prevent your walking ability from worsening.

You will have several visits to the clinic, including regular assessments of your walking and other MS symptoms. You will also need to have MRI scans to monitor your brain. The researchers will explain exactly how often you need to attend and what each visit will involve. The total duration of your participation in the study will be explained to you before you agree to take part.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in a study like this offers the chance to contribute to new knowledge about MS, which could eventually help others. While RIC has shown to be safe and well-tolerated in previous studies for other conditions, there's no guarantee it will help your MS, and it's not known if there are any specific benefits for MS yet. Potential risks from the RIC treatment itself are generally low and usually involve minor discomfort from the blood pressure cuffs, like temporary numbness or tingling, which goes away quickly. As with any medical study, you are free to withdraw at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

  • University of Calgary
    Verified postcode
    Calgary, Canada

Common questions

What is Remote Ischemic Conditioning (RIC)?

RIC is a simple, non-drug treatment where blood pressure cuffs on your arm briefly squeeze and release, temporarily limiting blood flow. This process is thought to trigger the body's natural protection systems.

What is Primary Progressive MS (PPMS)?

PPMS is a type of Multiple Sclerosis where symptoms gradually worsen over time, without clear periods of attacks or recovery.

Will this treatment cure my MS?

No, this is a research study to see if RIC can help prevent walking problems from getting worse in PPMS, not a cure for MS.

Are there any strong side effects from RIC?

RIC is generally well-tolerated. Any side effects from the cuffs are usually mild and temporary, like slight discomfort, numbness, or tingling in the arm.

Who is funding this study?

This study is funded by MS Canada and private donations to the university, not by pharmaceutical companies.

How to find out more

Official trial record

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

Interested in taking part?

Register your interest

Share your details and the research team for "Remote Ischemic Conditioning in PPMS…" will contact you if you may be eligible. Always speak to your GP before agreeing to take part.

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