Actively Recruiting
Asymptomatic Carotid Stenosis and Mobility Function With Exercise Intervention
Led by VA Office of Research and Development · Updated on 2026-03-04
50
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
295 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Moderate (50-69%) asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis (ACAS) is an important and under-appreciated contributor to balance and mobility dysfunction. This is significant because declines in balance and mobility are a significant predictor of falls, disability, loss of independence, and death in older adults. Further, falls and fall-related injuries in older adults cost approximately 50 billion dollars annually in the United States, and are the leading cause of adverse events reported by the Veterans Health Administration. This proposal seeks to: 1) investigate the impact of a supervised aerobic and challenging balance exercise program on balance and mobility function in patients with moderate ACAS; and 2) elucidate whether these changes are related to changes in cerebral perfusion. With 830,000 Veterans estimated to have moderate ACAS and at risk for balance and mobility dysfunction and increased falls, the findings from this study could have significant impacts on the clinical management, quality of life, and functional independence of Veterans with moderate ACAS.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Asymptomatic Carotid Stenosis and Mobility Function With Exercise Intervention
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- At least 18 years old
- Have 50-69% asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis confirmed by medical history, physical exam, and NIH Stroke Scale
- Stenosis severity confirmed by duplex sonography, MR angiography, or CT angiography
You will not qualify if you...
- Previous stroke or transient ischemic attack
- Occlusion or severe stenosis of the non-index carotid artery
- Planned carotid revascularization
- Advised by doctor not to exercise
- Medical condition preventing walking or exercise or likely to reduce follow-up
- Medical condition increasing risk of injury from testing or intervention
- Orthostatic hypotension
- Severe illness interfering with outcome evaluation
- Uncorrected visual impairment or recent eye surgery (within 6 months)
- Allergy to gadolinium contrast or renal insufficiency preventing PW-MRI
- History of dementia, cognitive impairment, or inability to follow commands
- Other neurological conditions such as Parkinson's, peripheral neuropathy, myopathy
- Use of sedative medications
- Major depression (CES-D score >16)
- Ability to complete 10-second Single Leg Stance Test without losing balance on either side
- Regular structured aerobic exercise more than three times per week within one month before study start
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Baltimore VA Medical Center VA Maryland Health Care System, Baltimore, MD
Baltimore, Maryland, United States, 21201
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
S
Sarasijhaa K Desikan, MD
CONTACT
K
Kimberlly A Nordstrom
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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