Blood Flow Restriction Training for Low Back Pain
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests two types of exercise training to help rowers with mild or recurring low back pain. The goal is to determine if blood flow restriction training, which uses light weights, is as effective and safer than traditional heavy lifting for improving performance and reducing the risk of reinjury. Participants will either perform exercises with blood flow restriction or heavier weight exercises without it. This trial suits active rowers aged 13-20 who have experienced mild back pain affecting their training or competition. As an unphased trial, it offers rowers a unique opportunity to explore innovative training methods that could enhance performance and reduce injury risk.
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. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
Research has shown that Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) training is generally safe and well-tolerated. Studies suggest that BFR does not significantly increase the risk of blood clots or cause major changes in blood pressure during exercise. Additionally, BFR training can improve muscle strength and endurance without serious side effects.
For Heavy Load Resistance Training (HLT), research indicates it can reduce pain and increase muscle strength. Although HLT is effective, it involves lifting heavier weights, which might carry a higher risk of injury compared to BFR.
Overall, both BFR and HLT are safe and effective for improving strength and reducing pain. However, BFR might be a safer option because it uses lighter weights, reducing the risk of injury.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about exploring blood flow restriction training for low back pain because it offers a unique exercise approach that can potentially enhance muscle strength and endurance without the need for heavy weights. Unlike traditional heavy load resistance training, which requires lifting significant weight to build muscle, blood flow restriction training uses lighter loads, making it more accessible and potentially safer for individuals with low back pain. This technique works by temporarily reducing blood flow to muscles during exercise, which can stimulate muscle growth and pain relief, offering a novel alternative to standard treatments like physical therapy and medication.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for low back pain?
This trial will compare Blood Flow Restriction Training (LL-BFR) with Heavy Load Resistance Training (HLT) for managing low back pain. Research has shown that LL-BFR can significantly reduce pain and improve movement in individuals with low back pain. One study found that LL-BFR led to substantial improvement in pain and disability levels within four weeks. Another study found that LL-BFR can increase strength similarly to traditional methods, offering a safer option for building strength without heavy weights.
HLT is also effective for low back pain. High-intensity resistance training has been shown to reduce pain and increase strength more than other exercises. Some research even suggests that HLT may be more effective at reducing pain than other types of exercise. Both LL-BFR and HLT show promising results for managing low back pain, and this trial will assess their effectiveness in separate treatment arms.23467Who Is on the Research Team?
Everett Lohman, Dsc
Principal Investigator
Loma Linda University
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for high-volume rowers who experience mild or recurrent low back pain. It's designed to see if a safer training method can be as effective as traditional heavy-load training without increasing the risk of re-injury.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Baseline Assessment
Participants complete a web-based survey and a 2000-meter indoor rowing ergometer time trial to assess technical and muscular fatigue, and performance.
Treatment
Participants undergo either low-load blood flow restriction training (LL-BFR) or heavy-load training (HLT) with specified exercises and repetitions.
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Blood Flow Restriction Training
- Heavy Load Resistance Training
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Loma Linda University
Lead Sponsor