Heavy-load resistance training with and without blood flow restriction in athletes
Official title: Effects of Heavy-load Resistance Training With and Without Blood Flow Restriction Therapy on Quadriceps Muscle Strength and Endurance in Athletes
Run by Riphah International University · NCT07128862 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will test if adding blood flow restriction to heavy-load strength training helps athletes aged 18–35 get stronger and improve endurance.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 35 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 44 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Riphah International University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Lahore, Punjab Province) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 30, 2024 |
| Main results expected | August 30, 2025 |
| Study ends | September 2, 2025 |
| Registry record updated | August 19, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07128862 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal participants are healthy athletes aged 18–35 who train at least three times per week, have no recent musculoskeletal injuries, no thrombotic or major cardiopulmonary conditions, and can attend all in-person sessions.
✕Probably not a fit
People with deep vein thrombosis or other pulmonary vascular disease, pregnant women, those with recent injuries, allergy to cuff materials, or who cannot attend regular sessions are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This single-blinded randomized controlled trial at the Pakistan Sports Board will enroll 44 athletes aged 18–35 and randomize them to heavy-load resistance training with blood flow restriction (BFR) or heavy-load resistance training alone. Both groups train three times per week performing back squats, leg press, and bench press at 70–80% of 1‑repetition maximum with progressive overload over the trial period. In the BFR arm pneumatic cuffs are placed proximally on the limbs and inflated to 50% of limb occlusion pressure (measured weekly by Doppler) during working sets and deflated during rest. Outcomes include one‑repetition maximum strength, squat endurance, push‑up performance, and International Physical Activity Questionnaire scores collected by partially unblinded assessors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, adding BFR could produce greater strength and endurance gains than heavy-load training alone for recreational and competitive athletes.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research shows BFR combined with low-load resistance training can improve strength and hypertrophy, while adding BFR to heavy-load protocols is less studied but small trials suggest modest additional gains.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Participants with age between 18 and 35 years. * Active individual participating in sport activities at least 3 times a week for the past 6 months. * Participants with any non-heart conditions. * Individuals voluntarily participating and providing informed consent. * Sprinters, Footballer Exclusion Criteria: * Individuals with DVT or other pulmonary artery disease. * Pregnant women or those planning to become pregnant. * Participants with recent musculoskeletal injuries (within the 6 months). * Individuals currently involved in another study. * Participants allergic to or sensitive to the materials used in the BFR bands. * Individuals who anticipate being unable to attend all training sessions.
Where it's running
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Pakistan Sports Board
Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Muhammad Hassan, MSPT — Riphah International University
- Study coordinator: Imran Amjad, Phd PT
- Email: imran.amjad@riphah.edu.pk
- Phone: 03324390125
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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.