Blood Flow Restriction Training for Shoulder Pain
Trial Summary
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial requires that you stop taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs to participate.
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Blood Flow Restriction Training for shoulder pain?
Research suggests that Blood Flow Restriction Training (BFRT) can help strengthen shoulder muscles and improve symptoms in conditions like rotator cuff tendinopathy, which is a type of shoulder pain. This training method uses low-weight exercises with a special cuff to restrict blood flow, potentially leading to strength gains similar to high-weight exercises but with less stress on the tissues.12345
Is blood flow restriction training generally safe for humans?
Blood flow restriction training (BFRT) has been shown to be relatively safe over the past 25 years, but it can cause increased blood pressure and other cardiovascular responses. It is important to use caution, especially for people with existing health issues like heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes, and a risk assessment is recommended before starting BFRT.14678
How is blood flow restriction training different from other treatments for shoulder pain?
Blood flow restriction training is unique because it involves performing low-intensity exercises while wearing a cuff that restricts blood flow, which can lead to muscle strengthening and pain reduction without the need for heavy weights. This makes it particularly suitable for individuals who cannot handle high training loads, such as those recovering from injury or surgery.12379
What is the purpose of this trial?
The goal of this pilot clinical trial is to learn if blood flow restriction training is safe and feasible in patients with subacromial pain. The main questions the investigators aim to answer are:* What problems do participants with shoulder pain encounter when training with blood flow restriction?* Is it feasible to apply blood flow restriction training as part of a physical therapy intervention?* What are some preliminary effects of blood flow restriction training on the recovery of shoulder function and strength?The investigators will compare active blood flow restriction training to sham (an inactive procedure designed to mimic the active training as closely as possible).Participants will:* Visit the clinic for physical therapy visits and exercise with blood flow restriction training for up to 8 weeks* Visit the clinic for tests before starting the treatment, during the treatment (4 weeks), and after the end of the treatment (8 and 26 weeks).
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for individuals experiencing subacromial shoulder pain. Participants will engage in physical therapy and exercises with blood flow restriction (BFRT) for up to 8 weeks, with clinic visits before, during, and after treatment to assess progress.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive blood flow restriction training as part of physical therapy for up to 8 weeks
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Blood Flow Restriction Training
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Florida
Lead Sponsor
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
Collaborator