Effects of RLIC on Motor Learning in Middle-aged and Older Adults

Ischemic conditioning is an endogenous phenomenon in which exposing a target organ or tissue to one or more brief episodes of ischemia results in protection of that organ against subsequent ischemia. The effects of ischemic conditioning are not confined within an organ but can be can be transferred from one organ to another, a technique called remote ischemic conditioning. A clinically feasible method for this is remote limb ischemic conditioning (RLIC), where episodes of ischemia and perfusion are induced with a blood pressure cuff placed on the arm.

The overall goal of this line of work is to use ischemic conditioning to enhance learning and outcomes in persons with neurologic injuries. Two previous studies have shown that remote limb ischemic conditioning (RLIC) can enhance learning a motor task in healthy young adults. The next step is to determine which individuals would receive maximum benefit from RLIC before applying these findings to clinical rehabilitation populations such as stroke. Numerous factors, such as age, body mass index (BMI), sex, and cardiovascular comorbidities may influence the response. The current study determines if RLIC can enhance learning in middle-aged and older adults with their burden of co-morbidities.

Inclusion criteria

• 40-80 years old
• Had sufficient cognitive skills to provide informed consent and actively participate.

Exclusion criteria

(determined by self-report):

• History of a neurological condition, balance impairment, or vestibular disorder.
• History of attentional disorders (ADD/ADHD) that could affect learning.
• History of sleep apnea which could confound the effects of RLIC.
• Presence of lower extremity condition, injury, or surgery that would compromise performance on the balance task.
• Learning disability, sensory, or communication problem that would prevent completion of the study.
• History of epilepsy, peripheral vascular disease, or blood diathesis which could contraindicate RLIC.
• Current intensive weight lifting or interval training exercise which could confound the effects of RLIC.
• Current substance abuse or dependence.