Blood Flow Restriction Exercise for Cardiac Health

EM
Overseen ByEvan Matthews
Age: 18 - 65
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: Montclair State University
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores the effects of blood flow restriction resistance exercise on heart health. This exercise uses light weights and temporarily reduces blood flow to muscles, promoting strength, and is often used in rehabilitation after injuries. Researchers aim to determine if this exercise alters blood flow through the heart. Individuals who are generally healthy and do not have high blood pressure or heart problems might be suitable candidates. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could enhance heart health strategies.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but if you are on coagulant therapy (medication that affects blood clotting), you cannot participate.

What prior data suggests that this exercise protocol is safe for cardiac health?

Research has shown that blood flow restriction (BFR) exercise can be safe and beneficial for heart health. Some studies suggest it could complement traditional heart rehab programs. This exercise involves reducing blood flow to the muscles during light-weight workouts, which helps build strength. However, evidence indicates it might cause unusual heart reactions due to increased stress on the heart.

On the positive side, BFR training can enhance muscle growth, strength, and overall fitness. Yet, because it alters blood flow, it could also impact heart function. Anyone considering this type of exercise should be aware of these potential effects.

In summary, while BFR exercise shows promise for building strength and aiding heart recovery, it may lead to changes in heart function. Consulting a healthcare provider before starting this kind of program is advisable.12345

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Blood flow restriction resistance exercise is unique because it offers a promising new way to improve cardiac health by enhancing the benefits of exercise without the need for heavy weights. Unlike traditional cardiac rehabilitation exercises that require lifting significant loads to build muscle strength, this technique uses low-intensity resistance training combined with blood flow restriction to mimic the effects of high-intensity workouts. Researchers are excited about this method because it potentially allows those with cardiac conditions to safely achieve muscle growth and improve cardiovascular function, which can be challenging with conventional exercise regimens. This innovative approach could make exercise more accessible and effective for people with heart issues.

What evidence suggests that blood flow restriction resistance exercise is effective for cardiac health?

Research has shown that blood flow restriction (BFR) exercise, which participants in this trial will perform, can increase muscle strength and endurance, even for individuals with heart conditions. This exercise involves lightly blocking blood flow in a limb while performing light weight training, which aids in muscle building. Studies have found that BFR can also improve heart and blood vessel health, making it a valuable addition to heart rehab programs. Some evidence suggests BFR training can lower systolic blood pressure and reduce body fat. Although research continues, BFR is considered a promising method to enhance overall heart health and strength.12467

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for generally healthy individuals interested in how blood flow restriction during low weight resistance exercises affects the heart's blood flow and dynamics.

Inclusion Criteria

I am generally in good health.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants undergo blood flow restriction resistance exercise to test cardiac dynamics

6 weeks
Weekly visits for exercise sessions

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • Blood Flow Restriction Resistance Exercise

Trial Overview

The study tests cardiac dynamics by comparing traditional non-BFR (Blood Flow Restriction) exercise to BFR exercise, hypothesizing changes in heart rate and specific aspects of the cardiac cycle due to altered peripheral resistance and venous return.

How Is the Trial Designed?

1

Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Intervention groupExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Montclair State University

Lead Sponsor

Trials
14
Recruited
1,200+

Citations

The effectiveness of blood flow restriction training in ...

[28] found improvement in muscle strength and endurance in cardiovascular patients after a low-intensity BFR program performed twice a week for ...

The effect of blood flow restricted exercise on measures ...

BFRE is a viable option to improve hypertrophy, strength, aerobic fitness, and vascular health across various populations.

Blood Flow Restriction Resistance Exercise and Cardiac ...

Blood flow restriction resistance exercise uses partial vascular occlusion of a limb during low weight resistance exercises to stimulate muscle ...

Examining the impact of blood flow restriction on cardiac ...

Collectively, these findings suggest that BFR training may serve as a safe and effective adjunct to conventional cardiac rehabilitation programs ...

Effects of blood flow restriction training on cardiometabolic ...

Our main findings indicate BFR training improved SBP and body fat percentage, while showing limited potential on V̇O2max, diastolic blood pressure, body weight, ...

Clinical safety of blood flow-restricted training? A ...

The present review synthesizes evidence that BFRT may elicit abnormal cardiovascular responses resulting from increased metaboreflex activation.

Resistance Exercise Training in Individuals With and ...

Resistance training is a safe and effective approach for improving cardiovascular health in adults with and without cardiovascular disease.