Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 19 to 64

Acute Blood Flow Restriction Walking in Type 2 Diabetes

Official title: Impact of Acute Blood Flow Restriction Walking on Immune Cell Phenotype and Function in Adults withT2D

Run by University of British Columbia · NCT07928531 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study tests whether adding blood flow restriction to treadmill walking affects immune cells in adults with type 2 diabetes.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages19 Years to 64 Years
SexAll
Enrollment20 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of British Columbia
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Kelowna, British Columbia)
StatusRecruiting
StartedFebruary 11, 2026
Main results expectedDecember 31, 2027
Study endsDecember 31, 2027
Registry record updatedNovember 10, 2026
Trial IDNCT07928531 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Adults aged 19-64 with type 2 diabetes (HbA1c 5.7-9.0%) who engage in less than 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity weekly.

Probably not a fit

Individuals with conditions that contraindicate blood flow restriction or who cannot safely participate in the exercise protocol may not benefit from this approach.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

In this randomized trial, adults with type 2 diabetes will be assigned to either regular treadmill walking or treadmill walking with blood flow restriction. Both groups will walk 32 minutes at a level that targets 40-50% of heart rate reserve, with the BFR cuffs inflated to 60% of limb occlusion pressure and deflated briefly every 10 minutes for safety. Blood samples will be collected before exercise, near the end of the final occlusion cycle, and during recovery to assess immune cell counts, function, and phenotype. The study aims to understand how BFR during aerobic exercise may influence immune responses in this population.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could offer a new way to modulate immune responses during exercise for people with type 2 diabetes.

How similar studies have gone: Previous studies in exercise and BFR have shown measurable physiological effects, but results specifically in type 2 diabetes and immune outcomes are mixed and require confirmation.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Aged 19-64 years
* Diagnosed with type 2 diabetes with current HbA1c 5.7-9.0%
* Completing \<150 minutes of moderate-vigorous physical activity per week.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Chronic musculoskeletal condition or recent (within 2 years) cardiovascular event preventing participation in exercise.
* Unstable type 2 diabetes medication of the last 3 months
* Absolute contraindications to BFR (i.e., peripheral vascular disease)
* A self-reported diagnosis of low iron concentrations, anemia, or being treated for these conditions
* A diagnosis of any red blood cell-altering condition (i.e., sickle cell anemia, poikilocytosis)
* Currently living with any cardiovascular disease, which would impact the ability to participate in exercise safely
* Currently prescribed any medication which would impact the ability to use a heart rate monitor to accurately track intensity

Where it's running

  • University of British Columbia Okanagan
    Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

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How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.