This study investigated the impact of remote ischemic conditioning on acute ischemic stroke patients, including its effects on vascular cognitive impairment and quality of life.

A single-center, open-label trial conducted in the Philippines included 104 randomized patients to treatment (n=52) and control (n=52) groups. The treatment group received eight doses of RIC over four days, while the control group received standard stroke care.

Ten patients were excluded from the full analysis, and the remote ischemic conditioning procedure was completed in all 52 enrolled patients. The treatment group showed a significant change in NIHSS scores across admission, 24 hours, and discharge time points compared to the control group. Additionally, the mean MOCA-P scores were higher in the treatment group, indicating a lower prevalence of cognitive impairment. At 90 days, the treatment group demonstrated a higher mean HRQoL score, particularly in the pain domain. The study suggests that remote ischemic conditioning in acute ischemic stroke may reduce stroke severity during admission and increase the likelihood of better quality of life at 90 days. Furthermore, the prevalence of cognitive impairment was more evident in patients who did not receive ischemic conditioning.

This trial highlights the potential benefits of remote ischemic conditioning as a neuroprotective measure in acute ischemic stroke and calls for further research to fully understand its impact on vascular cognitive impairment and quality of life.