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

60 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

Blood flow restriction associated with resistance training is suggested to potentiate increases in muscular strength and hypertrophy. This study will compare the effects of resistance training associated with blood flow restriction with a regular resistance training program. Findings of this project will provide important information regarding a promising intervention to potentiate muscle performance.

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.

How is blood flow restriction training different from other treatments for muscle strength?

Blood flow restriction training is unique because it uses low-load resistance exercises combined with restricted blood flow to the muscles, which can enhance muscle strength and growth without the need for heavy weights. This makes it a novel option compared to traditional high-load resistance training, especially for those who may not tolerate heavy lifting. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Blood Flow Restriction Training for muscle strength in healthy individuals?

Research shows that Blood Flow Restriction Training (BFRT) can increase muscle mass and strength using low loads, making it an effective alternative to traditional high-intensity resistance training. It has been widely documented as beneficial in both athletic and clinical settings, with minimal serious side effects when applied correctly. ^{2 4 6 7 8}

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

Citations

1. Germany pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of exercise intensity and occlusion pressure after 12 weeks of resistance training with blood-flow restriction. [2022]

2. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A Useful Blood Flow Restriction Training Risk Stratification for Exercise and Rehabilitation. [2022]

3. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Comparison of blood flow restriction devices and their effect on quadriceps muscle activation. [2021]

4. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Application and side effects of blood flow restriction technique: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey of professionals. [2023]

5. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Blood Flow Restriction Training in Clinical Rehabilitation: Occlusion Pressure Methods Relative to the Limb Occlusion Pressure. [2023]

6. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Use of Blood Flow Restriction Training for Postoperative Rehabilitation. [2019]

7. United States 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. [2022]

8. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Eight weeks of resistance training with blood flow restriction improve cardiac function and vascular endothelial function in healthy young Asian males. [2021]