Effects of different blood flow restriction methods on bicep curls

Acute Effects of Autoregulated and Non-autoregulated Blood Flow Restrictive Bicep Curls on Indices of Arterial Stiffness and Muscle Morphology

Not applicable Interventional Salisbury University · NCT05748821

This study is testing how two different methods of restricting blood flow during bicep curls affect the stiffness of arteries in young, active adults.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 40 Years
SexAll
SponsorSalisbury University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Salisbury, Maryland)
Trial IDNCT05748821 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the acute effects of autoregulated (AR) and non-autoregulated (NAR) blood flow restriction (BFR) during bicep curls on arterial stiffness. Twenty physically active adults aged 18-40 will participate in three treatment sessions, including a control session without BFR, AR BFR, and NAR BFR, conducted in a randomized order. Each session will involve a series of tests such as blood pressure measurements, ultrasonography of the carotid artery, and strength assessments. The goal is to differentiate the physiological changes induced by the two BFR methods.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are physically active women aged 18-40 with stable weight and regular menstrual cycles.

Not a fit: Patients with cardiovascular diseases, metabolic disorders, or those who are pregnant or nursing may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into optimizing blood flow restriction techniques for improving vascular health.

How similar studies have performed: While there is ongoing research in blood flow restriction techniques, this specific comparison of autoregulated versus non-autoregulated methods is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age 18-40 years old
2. Physically active (\> 6 months of consistent exercise training)
3. Weight stable for previous 6 months (+/-2.5 kg)
4. Female subjects only- reported regular menstrual cycles for the last 2 years

Exclusion Criteria:

1. BP\>140/90 mmHg
2. BMI\>40 kg/m2
3. Diabetes
4. Familial hypercholesterolemia
5. Past or current history of CHD, stroke or major CVD events. Respiratory diseases (not including asthma), endocrine or metabolic, neurological, or hematological disorders that would compromise the study or the health of the subject.
6. Women must not be pregnant, plan to become pregnant during the study, or be nursing
7. Active renal or liver disease
8. All medications and supplements that influence dependent variables
9. Recent surgery \< 2 months
10. Alcohol abuse
11. Sleep apnea
12. Claustrophobia

Where this trial is running

Salisbury, Maryland

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.
Conditions Arterial StiffnessHealthy Lifestyle
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.