How blood flow restriction leg training affects muscles and blood markers

The Effects of Training History on Physiological and Biochemical Responses in Blood Flow Restriction Strength Training

Observational Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University · NCT07340385

This project tests if six weeks of blood flow restriction leg training changes muscle size and blood biomarkers in healthy adults aged 18–40, including both people new to strength training and experienced athletes.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 40 Years
SexMale
SponsorAfyonkarahisar Health Sciences University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Afyonkarahisar, Merkez)
Trial IDNCT07340385 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Thirty healthy adults aged 18 to 40 will complete a twice-weekly, six-week exercise program in which an adjustable inflatable cuff is applied to the dominant thigh while all exercises are performed with both legs. Cuff pressure will be individualized for safety and comfort, and participants will include both individuals new to strength training and athletes who train regularly. Researchers will collect short-term and longer-term physiological and biochemical measurements such as oxidative stress markers, growth factors, other blood biomarkers, and muscle thickness before and after the program. The protocol is designed to compare responses across different training backgrounds and load levels.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy men and women aged 18–40 with no lower-extremity orthopedic issues, who are either new to strength training or have been doing strength work at least two days per week for the past year.

Not a fit: People with hypertension, cardiovascular or peripheral vascular disease, deep vein thrombosis, neurological disorders, obesity, diabetes, current cancer, or those outside the 18–40 age range are unlikely to be eligible or benefit from participation.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could show a way to boost muscle adaptation with lower loads or provide safer, targeted training protocols for healthy adults and athletes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research on blood flow restriction training has often shown increased muscle size and growth-factor responses at low loads, though findings on oxidative stress and some biochemical markers have been mixed.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Voluntary participation of healthy adults
* Age between 18 and 40 years
* No history of orthopedic pathology or current symptoms affecting the lower extremities
* For individuals with prior training experience: engagement in strength training at least two days per week for the past year across different sports disciplines
* For individuals new to strength training: no regular participation in strength training within the past six months

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, peripheral vascular diseases, deep vein thrombosis, neurological disorders, obesity, or a diagnosis of diabetes
* Current or previous diagnosis of cancer
* Individuals who do not consent to participate in the study

Where this trial is running

Afyonkarahisar, Merkez

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 Healthy IndividualsTrained AthletesStrength TrainingOxidative StressGrowth FactorsBiochemical MarkersMuscle Thickness
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.