Blood Flow Restriction Training for Muscle Strength in Healthy Individuals

Overseen By Hugo Pereira, PhD

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Oklahoma

Disqualifiers: Neurological diseases, Metal implants, Pregnancy, others

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

Approved in 2 Jurisdictions This treatment is already approved in other countries

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: up to 6 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores whether blood flow restriction during strength training can enhance muscle strength and growth compared to regular strength training. Participants will be divided into three groups: one will incorporate blood flow restriction (also known as Blood Flow Restriction Training or BFRT) into their workouts, another will perform conventional training with high weights, and the third will train with low weights. The study aims to determine if adding blood flow restriction can more effectively strengthen muscles. Individuals who are generally healthy and can exercise without restrictions may be suitable for this trial. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research in exercise science.

Do I need to stop taking my current medications for this trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?

Research shows that blood flow restriction (BFR) training is generally safe and manageable. Studies have found that BFR can increase muscle strength and size without heavy weights, reducing stress on the body while still delivering good results.

Several studies have examined BFR training and confirmed its safety in improving muscle performance. For example, one study found it helps prevent muscle weakness and wasting without excessive strain. Another study highlighted its role in rehabilitation and injury prevention, proving its safety in various situations.

Overall, evidence suggests that blood flow restriction training is a safe and effective method to boost muscle strength and performance. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about blood flow restriction (BFR) training because it offers a unique approach to building muscle strength without the need for heavy weights. Unlike traditional strength training that relies on lifting heavy loads, BFR uses low loads combined with restricted blood flow to the muscles, which can stimulate muscle growth and strength efficiently. This method could make strength training more accessible to a wider range of people, including those who may not be able to handle high-intensity workouts due to age or injury. By potentially reducing the risk of injury while still promoting muscle development, BFR training might revolutionize how we think about and approach strength training.

What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for muscle strength?

Research has shown that blood flow restriction (BFR) training, which participants in this trial may receive, can help build muscle strength and size. Studies have found that BFR training can lead to similar strength improvements as traditional heavy weightlifting, even when using lighter weights. For instance, one study found that four weeks of BFR training significantly reduced pain and increased strength in athletes. Another study showed that both men and women experienced stronger muscles after six weeks of BFR training. This method combines light weightlifting with restricted blood flow, intensifying exercises without the need for heavy weights. This trial will compare BFR training with conventional strength training using either low or high loads. ^{3 6 7 8 9}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Hugo Pereira, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Oklahoma

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for healthy individuals interested in participating in a study comparing different resistance training methods. Specific eligibility criteria are not provided, but typically participants must be generally healthy without major medical conditions.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants undergo resistance training with or without blood flow restriction for 10 sessions

up to 6 weeks

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in muscle activation, lean mass, and muscle size after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Blood flow restriction
• Regular training type 1
• Regular training type 2

Trial Overview The study is testing the effectiveness of resistance training with blood flow restriction against two types of regular resistance training. The goal is to see which method better increases muscle strength and size.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Group 3 Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Conventional strength training using low loads

Group II: Group 2 Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Conventional strength training using high loads

Group III: Group 1 Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Strength training associated with blood flow restriction

Blood flow restriction is already approved in United States, European Union for the following indications:

Approved in United States as Blood Flow Restriction Therapy for:

• Achilles tendon rupture rehabilitation
• Musculoskeletal injuries
• Post-surgical rehabilitation
• Arthritis
• Tendinitis
• ACL/meniscal tears
• Non-union fractures
• IT band issues

Approved in European Union as Blood Flow Restriction Therapy for:

• Achilles tendon rupture rehabilitation
• Musculoskeletal injuries
• Post-surgical rehabilitation
• Arthritis
• Tendinitis
• ACL/meniscal tears
• Non-union fractures
• IT band issues

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Oklahoma

Lead Sponsor

Trials

484

Recruited

95,900+

Published Research Related to This Trial

Blood flow restriction training (BFRT) can be beneficial for rehabilitation but poses risks such as increased blood pressure and adverse cardiovascular responses, especially in individuals with pre-existing conditions like hypertension and diabetes.

To ensure safety, a risk stratification tool is recommended for clinicians to assess patients' medical histories and identify those who may be at higher risk for complications when undergoing BFRT.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A Useful Blood Flow Restriction Training Risk Stratification for Exercise and Rehabilitation. Nascimento, DDC., Rolnick, N., Neto, IVS., et al.[2022]

Blood flow restriction (BFR) training can effectively increase muscle strength and hypertrophy, particularly when compared to low-intensity resistance training, showing a significant advantage in torque measurements.

However, high-intensity resistance training (HIRT) remains more effective than low-intensity BFR for maximizing strength and hypertrophy, indicating that while BFR is beneficial, it may be best suited for individuals who cannot perform high-load training.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of Blood Flow Restriction Therapy for Muscular Strength, Hypertrophy, and Endurance in Healthy and Special Populations: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Perera, E., Zhu, XM., Horner, NS., et al.[2022]

In a study involving 75 participants, it was found that using 130% of resting brachial systolic blood pressure can effectively estimate the occlusion needed for blood flow restriction (BFR) training, achieving similar effects to 100% limb occlusion pressure (LOP).

Applying arbitrary restriction values of 200 and 300 mm Hg can exceed safe occlusion levels, potentially increasing risks during BFR exercise, while using 100 mm Hg or resting brachial systolic pressure is safer and results in pressures between 60% and 80% LOP.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Blood Flow Restriction Training in Clinical Rehabilitation: Occlusion Pressure Methods Relative to the Limb Occlusion Pressure. Chulvi-Medrano, I., Cortell-Tormo, JM., Hernández-Sánchez, S., et al.[2023]

A study involving 136 Brazilian professionals in physical rehabilitation found that blood flow restriction (BFR) is primarily used with resistance exercise to promote muscle growth and rehabilitation, especially in young adults aged 20 to 29 years.

While 92% of professionals reported observing at least one side effect from BFR, most were mild, such as tingling and delayed muscle soreness, indicating that serious side effects are rare when BFR is applied correctly in clinical settings.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Application and side effects of blood flow restriction technique: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey of professionals. de Queiros, VS., Dantas, M., Neto, GR., et al.[2023]

Blood flow restriction (BFR) training is effective for increasing muscle size and strength, making it a promising option for treating musculoskeletal issues and aiding in postoperative recovery.

The article highlights the need for more research on BFR's applications in rehabilitation, while also sharing the authors' practical experiences with its use after surgery.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Use of Blood Flow Restriction Training for Postoperative Rehabilitation. Wilkinson, BG., Donnenwerth, JJ., Peterson, AR.[2019]

High-load resistance exercise (HL) resulted in significantly greater quadriceps muscle activation compared to low-load blood flow restriction training (BFRT) using both regulated and standardized devices, indicating that traditional strength training may be more effective for muscle activation.

Participants reported higher pain and perceived exertion during the regulated BFRT sessions compared to the standardized BFRT and high-load resistance exercise, suggesting that while BFRT can be effective, it may also be associated with greater discomfort.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Comparison of blood flow restriction devices and their effect on quadriceps muscle activation. Bordessa, JM., Hearn, MC., Reinfeldt, AE., et al.[2021]

Citations

1. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36083329/

Effects of Blood Flow Restriction Therapy for Muscular ... Conclusion: Blood flow restriction training produced increases in muscular strength, hypertrophy, and endurance. Comparing LI-BFR training with ...

2. frontiersin.org frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1496482/full

The effect of blood flow restriction training on core muscle ... Four weeks of LL-BFRT significantly reduced pain and functional disability while inducing similar strength gains as HL-RT in male collegiate athletes with ...

3. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7727422/

EFFECT OF BLOOD FLOW RESTRICTION TRAINING ON ... The results of the current study suggest that BFR training was able to produce similar strength gains, as measured by 1RM (in multiple movements), in the ...

4. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1466853X25000744

Blood flow restriction training compared to conventional ... Blood flow restriction training can significantly reduce short-term knee pain. No significant effects on knee function or strength were identified.

5. journals.plos.org journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0301164

Impact of exercise with blood flow restriction on muscle ... Likewise, both males and females improved muscle strength following 6-week BFRT, however males may improve strength to a greater extent than females.

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8448465/

Blood Flow Restriction Training - PMC Blood flow restriction (BFR) training offers the ability to mitigate weakness and atrophy without overloading healing tissues.

7. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666061X24001652

Blood Flow Restriction Training: A Tool to Enhance ... Blood flow restriction training (BFRT) is a tool utilized in rehabilitation and injury prevention to improve muscle strength and size.

8. physio-pedia.com physio-pedia.com/Blood_Flow_Restriction_Training

Blood Flow Restriction Training Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) training is a technique that combines low intensity exercise with blood flow occlusion that produces similar results to high ...

9. nature.com nature.com/articles/s41598-024-67181-9

Effects of blood flow restriction training on physical fitness ... Blood flow restriction training (BFRT) is an effective, scientific and safe training method, but its effect on the overall quality of ...