Effects of Twice Daily Blood Flow Restriction Training on Muscle Responses
Effects of Twice Daily Blood Flow Restriction Training on Muscle Swelling, Markers of Exercise Induced Muscle Damage and Inflammation: A Randomised Control Trial
This study tests whether doing low weight exercises with or without blood flow restriction can help military personnel with knee pain recover better by looking at muscle swelling and damage.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 18 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 55 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre, UK Government |
| Locations | 1 site (Loughborough) |
| Trial ID | NCT06334224 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the acute physiological responses to low load resistance training with and without blood flow restriction in military personnel experiencing knee pain. It aims to compare muscle swelling, damage, and inflammation resulting from these training methods. By conducting a randomized control trial, the research seeks to provide insights into optimizing blood flow restriction exercise prescriptions for rehabilitation purposes. The findings may enhance understanding of how blood flow restriction influences muscle recovery and adaptation.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are UK military personnel aged 18 to 55 who have not engaged in regular lower-limb resistance training for the past six months.
Not a fit: Patients with current lower-limb musculoskeletal injuries or medical conditions that contraindicate blood flow restriction will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve rehabilitation strategies for military personnel suffering from muscle weakness and damage.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with blood flow restriction training, indicating potential benefits in muscle recovery and strength enhancement.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18 - 55 years * Must not have performed regular lower-limb resistance training for the last 6 months (participants must have performed \< 1 lower-limb resistance training session per week over the previous 6 months) * DMRC Staff member (civilian or service personnel) Exclusion Criteria: * Any medical contraindication related to BFR\*. * Any current lower-limb musculoskeletal injury * Restricted range of movement. i.e. Chronically locked knee or fixed flexion deformity. * Any physical impairment or co-morbidities (including cardio-vascular disease) precluding the safe participation in the intervention and/or assessment procedures * Non-musculoskeletal or serious pathological condition (i.e. Inflammatory arthropathy, infection or tumour). * Use of any medication which may contraindicate the performance of BFR or influence blood biomarkers of EIMD or inflammation. * Use of any performance enhancing supplements or ergogenic aids such as creatine monohydrate. * Any individual who is known to be currently pregnant \*Medical-based Exclusion Criteria (based on clinical contraindications to performing BFR): * History of cardiovascular disease (hypertension, peripheral vascular disease, thrombosis/embolism, ischaemic heart disease, myocardial infarction). * History of the following musculoskeletal disorders: rheumatoid arthritis, avascular necrosis or osteonecrosis, severe osteoarthritis. * History of the following neurological disorders: Peripheral neuropathy, Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, severe traumatic brain injury. * Varicose veins in the lower-limb. * Acute viral or bacterial upper or lower respiratory infection at screening. * Known or suspected lower limb chronic exertional compartment syndrome (tourniquet raises intra-compartmental muscle pressure). * Postsurgical swelling. * Surgical insertion of metal components at the position of cuff inflation. * History of any of the following conditions or disorders not previously listed: diabetes, active cancer. * History of elevated risk of unexplained fainting or dizzy spells during physical activity/exercise that causes loss of balance * Increased risk of haemorrhagic stroke, exercise induced rhabdomyolysis.
Where this trial is running
Loughborough
- Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre — Loughborough, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Peter Ladlow, PhD
- Email: peter.ladlow100@mod.gov.uk
- Phone: +44 (0)1509 251 500
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.