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

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to compare the effects of Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) training with traditional low-weight resistance training on grip strength. Researchers seek to determine if BFR, which uses a tight band to reduce blood flow during exercise, can enhance grip strength more effectively than regular workouts. The trial suits young adults who are generally healthy and free from conditions like heart disease or recent arm injuries. Participants will help assess the safety and effectiveness of BFR training for improving grip strength. As an unphased trial, participants can contribute to innovative research that may enhance exercise methods for grip strength improvement.

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 prior data suggests that Blood Flow Restriction training is safe for improving grip strength?

Research shows that blood flow restriction (BFR) training is generally safe and manageable. Studies have found that this method can help build muscle strength and size without heavy weights. It works by temporarily reducing blood flow during exercise, promoting muscle growth.

Many people have used BFR training in recovery and sports, and it is often considered a safe way to increase strength. While any exercise can have minor risks, major negative effects have not been commonly reported with BFR training.

In summary, BFR training has been used safely in various settings, demonstrating it is usually well-tolerated with a low risk of serious side effects. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about blood flow restriction training (BFRT) for grip strength because it offers a novel approach compared to traditional resistance training. Unlike standard high-weight resistance exercises that require significant loads to build muscle and strength, BFRT uses low-weight resistance combined with restricted blood flow to enhance muscle growth and strength effectively. This method can be particularly beneficial for individuals who cannot lift heavy weights due to injury or other limitations. By making it possible to achieve similar or better results with lighter weights, BFRT presents a promising alternative with potentially fewer risks and broader accessibility.

What evidence suggests that Blood Flow Restriction training is effective for improving grip strength?

Research shows that blood flow restriction (BFR) training can enhance muscle strength and growth in various groups, such as older adults and injured athletes. Studies have found that BFR training also strengthens muscles and reduces fatigue. Although limited research exists specifically on grip strength, BFR training appears promising for improving overall physical activity and performance. This trial will compare a group using BFR with low-weight resistance training (LWRT) to a group doing LWRT without BFR. Overall, BFR training is gaining popularity for its potential to safely improve strength without heavy weights. ^{3 4 6 7 8}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

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.

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

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

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 (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

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

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.

How Is the Trial Designed?

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+

Published Research Related to This Trial

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

Citations

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

EFFECT OF BLOOD FLOW RESTRICTION TRAINING ON ... Blood flow restriction (BFR) training enhances muscular strength and hypertrophy in several populations including older adults and injured athletes.

2. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1440244025004724

Blood flow restriction training improves strength, fatigue ... These included reduced perceived disease impact, enhanced muscle strength, reduced fatigue, increased physical activity, and improved manual ...

3. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT06535373?draw=2&rank=1

Blood Flow Restriction Training on Upper Extremity Grip ... The current study seeks to fill this research gap by examining the effects of Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) training on upper extremity grip strength in a ...

4. physio-pedia.com physio-pedia.com/Blood_Flow_Restriction_Training

Blood Flow Restriction Training High load resistance training has been shown to be the most successful means in improving muscular strength and obtaining muscle hypertrophy. However, in ...

5. ijspt.scholasticahq.com ijspt.scholasticahq.com/article/25791-the-systemic-effects-of-blood-flow-restriction-training-a-systematic-review

The Systemic Effects of Blood Flow Restriction Training This review found positive or neutral effects of blood flow restriction training on cardiovascular, endocrinological, musculoskeletal, and psychosocial ...

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

Blood Flow Restriction Training - PMC Evidence suggests that blood flow restriction training can improve function and pain outcomes beyond traditional resistance training in individuals with joint ...

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. nature.com nature.com/articles/s41526-025-00515-7

Blood flow restriction training in microgravity: a review of ... When combined with low-intensity strength training, BFRT effectively induces skeletal muscle hypertrophy and enhances muscular strength.