Dance + Blood Flow Restriction for Balance Disorders

Age: 65+

Sex: Female

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Concordia University, Montreal

Disqualifiers: Stroke, Vertigo, Concussion, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 24

Duration: 12 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to determine if adding blood flow restriction (tight bands around the thighs) during online dance classes can improve strength and balance in women over 65. The study focuses on reducing fall risk by enhancing muscle strength and postural stability in older women, who are more prone to fall-related injuries. Participants will join online dance classes twice a week, with one group using blood flow restriction bands to assess if it boosts the benefits. Women over 65 who can attend in-person testing at Concordia University and have no medical restrictions for physical activity might be suitable candidates. This approach could provide a safe, accessible way for older women to stay active and reduce fall risks. As an unphased trial, this study presents a unique opportunity to explore innovative methods to enhance health and well-being.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

What prior data suggests that blood flow restriction during dance is safe for older women?

Research has shown that blood flow restriction (BFR) training is generally safe for most people. In a large study, only about 1,672 out of 25,813 participants reported any side effects, indicating that most did not experience problems. The common side effects were minor, such as temporary discomfort or numbness, and they usually resolved on their own.

For older adults, especially women, this type of training can improve strength and balance. The program uses elastic bands safely tightened during dance classes, designed to be both effective and gentle on the body.

While specific data on using BFR with dance is limited, its application in other gentle exercises shows promise in boosting strength. Overall, current evidence suggests that combining dance with BFR is a well-tolerated way to enhance balance and strength, particularly for older women. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Dance + Blood Flow Restriction approach for balance disorders because of its innovative combination of physical activity and targeted blood flow management. Unlike standard balance disorder treatments, which often focus on medication or general physical therapy, this method uses dance to engage participants in a dynamic and enjoyable form of exercise. The introduction of blood flow restriction through elastic bands during dance sessions is a novel feature that aims to enhance muscle strength and improve balance more effectively. By integrating these elements, this approach could offer a fun and potentially more impactful alternative to traditional therapies.

What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for balance disorders?

Research has shown that dancing can improve balance and stability. Precise movements in dancing enhance sensory and motor skills, which are crucial for better balance. In this trial, one group will participate in dance classes without additional interventions. Another group will combine dance with blood flow restriction (BFR), which uses bands to limit blood flow and can increase muscle strength during low-intensity exercises. While BFR effectively builds strength, limited data exists on its impact when combined with balance training. This trial will explore whether combining dance with BFR could improve both strength and balance simultaneously. ^{1 3 4 6 7}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for older women aged 65 and above who are interested in improving their balance to reduce the risk of falls. Participants will engage in online dance classes, with some using blood flow restriction bands. Women must be able to attend twice-weekly Zoom classes and perform physical tests.

Inclusion Criteria

I am over 65 years old.

Access to a device with a webcam, Zoom and stable internet

Able to visit Concordia University for all testing sessions

Exclusion Criteria

I have a blood clot, vascular disease, or sickle cell anemia.

I have not had a stroke, vertigo, concussion, or leg injury in the last 3 months.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants engage in twice weekly 75-minute online dance classes with or without blood flow restriction for 12 weeks

12 weeks

24 sessions (virtual)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in postural stability, dynamic balance, and strength

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Blood Flow Restriction
• Dance

Trial Overview The study compares two groups: one taking online dance classes alone, and another combining dance with blood flow restriction on their thighs. It aims to see if this method can enhance strength, dynamic balance, and postural stability over a 12-week period.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Dancing blood flow restriction Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

Participants in the blood flow restriction group will wear elasticized bands during the online dance classes. They will put them on before warm-up and take them off before cool-down.

Group II: Dancing control Active Control 1 Intervention

The control group will complete online dance classes with the same dose, frequency and duration as the experimental group. They however will not wear blood flow restriction cuffs during the classes.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Concordia University, Montreal

Lead Sponsor

Trials

30

Recruited

5,200+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11464470/

Effect of 6-week BFRT combined with IASTAM therapy on ... This study aims to observe the effects of exercise intervention (low-load ankle muscle strength training with blood flow restriction training (BFRT) equipment ...

2. bmcsportsscimedrehabil.biomedcentral.com bmcsportsscimedrehabil.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13102-024-00873-x

Study on the effect of blood flow restriction training combined ... Recent studies have indicated that the combination of IASTM with BFRT yields a significant reduction in patellofemoral joint pain, an ...

3. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-dance-2023-228c0

Dance + Blood Flow Restriction for Balance Disorders Blood flow restriction has been found to boost strength during low-intensity resistance training, but there is little information on adaptations after balance ...

4. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11007892/

Study on the effect of blood flow restriction training ... Moreover, the combined intervention in the experimental group exhibited superior efficacy in ankle stability, daily functional movement, ...

5. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666061X21002157

Rehabilitation and Return to Sport in Athletes Blood Flow ... The use of blood flow restriction (BFR) within rehabilitation is rapidly increasing as further research is performed elucidating purported benefits.

6. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35284924/

Overall Safety and Risks Associated with Blood Flow ... A total of 1,672 individuals reported an adverse event following BFRT use out of 25,813 individuals. Commonly reported adverse events were ...

7. app.trialscreen.org app.trialscreen.org/trials/dance-blood-flow-restriction-balance-training-older-women-trial-nct07011784

Dance and Blood Flow Restriction as Balance Training ... Blood flow restriction has been found to boost strength during low-intensity resistance training, but there is little information on adaptations ...