Actively Recruiting
Blood Flow Restriction And Veterans With MS
Led by VA Office of Research and Development · Updated on 2026-02-23
58
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
260 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
There currently is a lack of evidence to support exercise interventions in people with advanced disability due to MS (i.e., need assistance to walk or use a wheelchair). This project proposes to study a strength training program using blood flow restriction (BFR) in people with advanced disability due to MS. BFR uses a device that partially blocks blood flow to the exercising limb and causes a response in the muscle which can replicate the effects of high-intensity training using much lower intensities. This is ideal for people with MS who have advanced disability, as they often cannot tolerate higher intensity exercise due to severe weakness and fatigue. By studying BFR training in people with advanced disability due to MS, the investigators hope to help improve strength, mobility, fatigue, and quality of life in people with MS. This study will target enrollment of Veterans with MS, who tend to have more advanced disability than non-Veterans with MS.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Blood Flow Restriction And Veterans With MS
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Confirmed diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis
- Age between 18 and 75 years
- Patient Determined Disease Steps (PDDS) score from 4 to 7, indicating need for assistance to walk or wheelchair use
You will not qualify if you...
- PDDS score of 8: unable to sit in a wheelchair for more than one hour
- PDDS score of 3 or less: minimal interference with walking and activities
- Moderate to severe cognitive impairment (St. Louis University Mental Status Exam Score ≤ 20)
- History of deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, peripheral vascular disease, thrombophilia, or clotting disorders
- High blood pressure (systolic ≥ 180 mmHg or diastolic ≥ 110 mmHg)
- Other medical conditions or pain significantly affecting physical function or safe participation as assessed by a neurologist or physical therapist
- Easy bruising reported by patient
- Severe lower extremity spasticity (Modified Ashworth scale > 2)
- Currently or recently (within 2 months) engaged in progressive resistance training
- Currently or recently (within 2 months) using blood flow restriction
- MS exacerbation or changes to disease-modifying therapy within 1 month prior to enrollment
- Unable to tolerate pressure cuff during baseline assessment
- Unable to perform seated leg press or no knee extension strength against gravity in at least one leg
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
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Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, Aurora, CO
Aurora, Colorado, United States, 80045-7211
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
M
Mark M Manago, PT
CONTACT
E
Eliza A Biondi
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
DOUBLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Number of Arms
2
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