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 type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 19 Years to 64 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of British Columbia Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Kelowna, British Columbia) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 11, 2026 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | November 10, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07928531 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
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University of British Columbia Okanagan
Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Jonathan P Little, PhD
- Email: jonathan.little@ubc.ca
- Phone: 250-807-9876
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.