Remote Limb Ischemic Conditioning at Two Cuff Inflation Pressures Yields Learning Enhancements in Healthy Adults

ABSTRACT

The authors tested whether 2 doses of remote limb ischemic conditioning (RLIC), induced via blood pressure cuff inflation, enhanced motor and cognitive learning to an equal extent, and explored a panel of blood biomarkers of RLIC. Thirty-two young adults were randomized to 3 groups and underwent a 7-day protocol of RLIC/sham followed by motor and cognitive training, with follow-up. Both RLIC groups had greater motor learning and a trend toward greater cognitive learning compared with the sham group. RLIC at the lower inflation pressure was as effective as RLIC with the higher inflation pressure. No significant candidate blood biomarkers were found. RLIC could be a well-tolerated method to enhance learning and improve rehabilitation outcomes in people with neurological conditions.

Keywords:

• behavioral training
• human learning
• motor learning
• remote limb ischemic conditioning

Funding

This study was partially supported by the Foundation for Physical Therapy, HealthSouth Corporation, and NIH R01 HD085930.