Blood flow restriction training for shoulder pain
Blood Flow Restriction Training for Subacromial Pain: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
This study is testing if a new training method that restricts blood flow can help people with shoulder pain feel better and improve their strength during physical therapy.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 36 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 50 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Florida Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Gainesville, Florida) |
| Trial ID | NCT06873113 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This pilot clinical trial aims to evaluate the safety and feasibility of blood flow restriction training (BFRT) in patients experiencing subacromial shoulder pain. Participants will undergo physical therapy sessions incorporating BFRT over an 8-week period, with assessments conducted before, during, and after the intervention. The study will compare the effects of active BFRT against a sham procedure to determine its impact on shoulder function and strength. The investigators will also explore any challenges participants face while training with BFRT.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 50 with unilateral anterolateral shoulder pain and limited self-reported shoulder function.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of shoulder surgery, certain cardiovascular conditions, or contraindications to blood flow restriction training may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance recovery and improve shoulder function in patients with subacromial pain.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of blood flow restriction training is gaining interest, this specific application for subacromial pain is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria * Between 18 and 50 years of age * Unilateral pain in the anterolateral shoulder * Self-reported shoulder function of ≤7 (10, full function) * At least 90° of active shoulder elevation * 3 out of 5 positive tests to define subacromial pain. Exclusion Criteria (general): * history of shoulder fracture, frozen shoulder, or shoulder surgery * primary complaint of shoulder instability/dislocation * history of cardiovascular, neurologic, and pulmonary conditions that would impair the subject's ability to participate in physical therapy * active treatment for cancer * uncontrolled diabetes * uncontrolled high blood pressure * corticosteroid injection at the shoulder within 6 weeks * imaging evidence of rotator cuff tears * pregnancy Exclusion criteria (Blood flow restriction training specific) * contraindications to BFRT (sickle cell anemia, deep vein thrombosis, peripheral circulatory diseases) * taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs
Where this trial is running
Gainesville, Florida
- University of Florida — Gainesville, Florida, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Federico Pozzi, PT, MA, PhD
- Email: fpozzi@phhp.ufl.edu
- Phone: (352) 273-6957
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.