Comparing exercise effects with and without blood flow restriction in different age groups

Comparing Macro- and Microvascular Responses to Acute Resistance Exercise with and Without Blood Flow Restriction in Young and Older Adults: a Parallel Group Crossover Randomized Trial

NA · Egas Moniz - Cooperativa de Ensino Superior, CRL · NCT06596304

This study tests how two types of resistance exercise—one with blood flow restriction and one without—affect blood vessel health and muscle performance in both young and older adults.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment52 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorEgas Moniz - Cooperativa de Ensino Superior, CRL (other)
Locations2 sites (Almada, Monte Da Caparica and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06596304 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This trial investigates the vascular responses to two types of resistance exercise: low intensity with blood flow restriction (LIRT+BFR) and high intensity resistance training (HIRT) in both young and older adults. Participants will be randomly assigned to perform these exercises in a controlled laboratory setting, where their macro- and microvascular functions will be assessed before and after the interventions. The study aims to understand how these different training modalities affect vascular health and muscle performance, particularly in older adults who may experience age-related declines in these areas.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are healthy individuals aged between 18-30 years and those over 60 years.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of cardiovascular disease, recent surgeries, or significant health issues may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved exercise recommendations for older adults, enhancing their muscle strength and overall functional capacity.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with blood flow restriction training, suggesting potential benefits for muscle strength and vascular function, making this approach both relevant and tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Aged between 18-30 years and those over 60 years.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Past or current history of coronary heart disease, stroke, oncological disease, or major cardiovascular events.
* Individuals who had undergone surgery within the last two months
* Body mass index (BMI) greater than 30 kg/m²
* Declared sleep apnea
* Active kidney or liver disease
* Active tobacco smokers
* Sensory impairments
* Neurological or orthopedic functional impairments, musculoskeletal pathologies affecting exercise capacity
* Physically active for more than six months with a weekly activity level of 1,000 MET/min.

Where this trial is running

Almada, Monte Da Caparica and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Ageing, Blood Flow Restriction, blood flow restriction, Resistance training, microvascular function, arterial stiffness, blood pressure, young adults

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.