Passive Limb Movement Study
Stroke survivors have compromised vascular function which may contribute to secondary stroke risk, cardiovascular disease, and may limit their exercise tolerance. No studies have examined how femoral blood flow responds to both passive leg movement, a measure of microvascular function, as well as active leg contractions, a measure of the hyperemic response to exercise. Leg muscles with a reduced blood flow response to movement could be associated with decreased neuromuscular function, such as leg strength and fatigue. Preliminary data showing a single bout of ischemic conditioning may improve vascular function and muscle activation in healthy adults and individuals post-stroke. Therefore, the investigators want to examine if ischemic conditioning will also improve the blood flow response to passive leg movements as well as during single leg active contractions.
• Individuals Post-Stroke
‣ 18 - 85 years of age
⁃ Cortical or sub-cortical stroke ≥ 6 months ago with residual hemiparesis
⁃ Able to give informed consent and follow 2-step command.
⁃ English Speaking
• Age- and Sex-Matched Controls (CON)
‣ Matched to age of individual post- stroke ± 5 years.
⁃ Matched to sex of individual post-stroke
⁃ Able to give informed consent and follow 2-step command.
⁃ English Speaking
• Young Healthy Adults (CONyoung)
‣ Age 18-30 years old
⁃ Able to give informed consent and follow 2-step command.
⁃ English Speaking