Remote Ischemic Conditioning Modulates Spinal Reflex Excitability in Healthy Young Adults: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Pairing remote ischemic conditioning with balance training in 26 healthy young adults is linked to a greater reduction in the Hslp/Mslp ratio (p = 0.02) and improved balance (p = 0.02) versus sham.

• Why it matters: It is unclear whether RIC can enhance training-linked changes in spinal reflex excitability, a key substrate for motor learning, beyond what balance training alone can do.
• What they did: In a single-blind pilot RCT (March–August 2025), participants received five cycles of 5-minute cuff inflation (200 mmHg) and deflation on the dominant thigh, then completed 5 days of stability-platform balance training; H-reflex parameters and center time were measured pre/post.
• The result: No significant between-group differences were found for Hmax, H/M ratio, or H-reflex threshold, though Hmax changes were directionally consistent with reduced spinal reflex excitability, supporting feasibility estimates for future trials.