Blood Flow Restriction Training for Grip Strength

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Casa Colina Hospital and Centers for Healthcare

Must not be taking: Muscle strength, Metabolism, Blood flow

Disqualifiers: Cardiovascular, Musculoskeletal, Neurological, Pregnancy, others

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

Approved in 1 Jurisdiction This treatment is already approved in other countries

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 6 weeks

40 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

If you are taking medications or supplements that may affect muscle strength, metabolism, or blood flow, you will not be able to participate in the study.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Blood Flow Restriction Training for improving grip strength?

Research shows that Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) training can increase muscle strength and size using low weights, similar to high-weight training but with less stress on the body. Studies have demonstrated its safety and effectiveness in improving muscle strength and hypertrophy (muscle growth) in various populations. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is blood flow restriction training safe for humans?

Blood flow restriction training has been studied for over 25 years and is generally considered safe, though it can cause some discomfort and minor side effects like bruising, lightheadedness, and cramping. Studies have shown no increased risk of blood clots, but safety for older patients needs more research. ^{2 5 6 7 8}

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

Blood flow restriction training is unique because it uses a cuff to partially restrict blood flow during low-weight exercises, which can lead to muscle growth and strength gains similar to high-weight training but with less stress on the tissues. ^{1 2 3 8 9}

What is the purpose of this trial?

The primary objective of this prospective study is to investigate the effects of Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) training compared to traditional low-weight resistance training on grip strength in young adults. Despite the growing interest in BFR training and its potential benefits, there is limited research specifically investigating its impact on grip strength. Understanding the effects of BFR training on grip strength could have significant implications for individuals seeking to optimize their grip performance, rehabilitation settings, and sports performance enhancement. Additionally, examining the safety and efficacy of BFR training for this specific outcome will contribute valuable insights to the scientific community.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for healthy young adults interested in improving their grip strength. Participants should be willing to undergo Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) training or traditional low-weight resistance training.

Inclusion Criteria

Participants must provide informed consent before enrollment in the study, indicating their willingness to participate voluntarily

I am in good health with no heart, muscle, or nerve conditions that affect exercise.

Exclusion Criteria

I have no recent injuries to my arms or hands.

I do not have heart disease, high blood pressure, serious injuries, or nerve disorders that could affect my ability to exercise.

Pregnant individuals will be excluded due to potential risks associated with exercise and blood flow restriction during pregnancy

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants undergo Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) training or low-weight resistance training for grip strength enhancement

6 weeks

Regular training sessions

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

6 weeks

Grip strength assessments

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Blood Flow Restriction

Trial Overview The study aims to compare the effectiveness of BFR training versus traditional resistance exercises on enhancing grip strength in participants, contributing valuable data on this fitness technique.

Participant Groups

Group I: Blood flow restriction with low-weight resistance training (LWRT) group Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

a blood flow restriction with low-weight resistance training (LWRT) group

Group II: No Blood flow restriction group which just does LWRT Active Control 1 Intervention

a non blood flow restriction group which just does low-weight resistance training

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Casa Colina Hospital and Centers for Healthcare

Lead Sponsor

Trials

11

Recruited

350+

Azusa Pacific University

Collaborator

Trials

5

Recruited

200+

Findings from Research

In a study involving 24 healthy subjects, low-weight training combined with blood flow restriction (BFR) resulted in significantly greater strength gains in both proximal and distal muscle groups compared to low-weight training without BFR, with increases in shoulder strength by up to 30%.

BFR training also led to significant increases in arm and forearm circumferences, indicating enhanced muscle hypertrophy, while no adverse events were reported, suggesting that this method is safe for participants.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Upper-extremity blood flow restriction: the proximal, distal, and contralateral effects-a randomized controlled trial. Bowman, EN., Elshaar, R., Milligan, H., et al.[2020]

Blood flow restriction (BFR) training is considered a safe and effective method for improving musculoskeletal training outcomes, supported by 25 years of research.

There is a need for standardized, evidence-based protocols for BFR training among health professionals in South Africa to ensure its proper and safe application during rehabilitation.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Blood flow restriction training in South Africa - a panel discussion. Evans, RW., Ganda, J., van Schalkwyk, L., 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]

Low load blood flow restriction training (LL-BFRT) significantly improves upper limb strength and muscle size compared to low load resistance training (LL-RT), but not compared to high load resistance training (HL-RT).

The evidence for these findings is of low certainty, indicating that while LL-BFRT can be effective, its benefits in muscle size and strength may not be superior to traditional resistance training methods.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The effects of upper body blood flow restriction training on muscles located proximal to the applied occlusive pressure: A systematic review with meta-analysis. Pavlou, K., Korakakis, V., Whiteley, R., et al.[2023]

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]

A survey of 108 participants using BFR/KAATSU devices revealed that 61.4% used inflatable devices, and most had received some form of education before using the equipment, indicating a commitment to safe application of the training method.

Adverse effects such as bruising, lightheadedness, and cramping were reported by 21.4% of users, highlighting the need for careful monitoring and screening before administering BFR/KAATSU training.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Current Trends in Blood Flow Restriction. Cuffe, M., Novak, J., Saithna, A., et al.[2022]

Blood flow restriction (BFR) training is effective in increasing strength and muscle hypertrophy in both men and women, with 28 out of 30 studies supporting these benefits, although more research is needed for women.

BFR training can also help maintain muscle strength during immobilization and shows no increased risk of thrombosis, making it a potentially safe option for cardiac and pulmonary patients, though safety for older individuals needs further investigation.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Training with blood flow restriction. Mechanisms, gain in strength and safety. Heitkamp, HC.[2017]

Resistance training with blood flow restriction (BFR) at low loads can produce muscle fatigue comparable to high-load training, with 21 participants showing that 20% maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) with continuous partial occlusion caused greater fatigue than high-load training (31% vs 19% decrement in MVC).

The study suggests that specific BFR protocols, particularly the 20% MVC with continuous partial occlusion, may be more effective for muscle fatigue than other BFR methods or high-load training, indicating potential for optimizing resistance training strategies.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of exercise load and blood-flow restriction on skeletal muscle function. Cook, SB., Clark, BC., Ploutz-Snyder, LL.[2022]

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]

References

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

Upper-extremity blood flow restriction: the proximal, distal, and contralateral effects-a randomized controlled trial. [2020]

2. South Africa pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Blood flow restriction training in South Africa - a panel discussion. [2023]

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

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

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

The effects of upper body blood flow restriction training on muscles located proximal to the applied occlusive pressure: A systematic review with meta-analysis. [2023]

5. 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]

6. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Current Trends in Blood Flow Restriction. [2022]

7. Italy pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Training with blood flow restriction. Mechanisms, gain in strength and safety. [2017]

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

Effects of exercise load and blood-flow restriction on skeletal muscle function. [2022]

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

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