Heavy-load resistance training with and without blood flow restriction in athletes
Effects of Heavy-load Resistance Training With and Without Blood Flow Restriction Therapy on Quadriceps Muscle Strength and Endurance in Athletes
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 44 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 35 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Riphah International University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Lahore, Punjab Province) |
| Trial ID | NCT07128862 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Lahore, Punjab Province
- 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
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.