Investigating Blood Flow Restriction Training for Hamstring Injury Recovery
The Effect of Blood Flow Restriction Training on the Mechanical Properties of Hamstring Injuries: A Prospective, Randomised Clinical Trial Using Supersonic Shear Wave Elastography
This study is testing if Blood Flow Restriction Training can help football players recover better from recent hamstring injuries compared to regular rehab alone.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 90 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 35 Years |
| Sex | Male |
| Sponsor | University Ghent Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ghent) |
| Trial ID | NCT04246515 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to evaluate the impact of Blood Flow Restriction Training on the elasticity of the hamstring muscle following an acute injury in football players. Ninety participants aged 18 to 35 with recent hamstring strain injuries will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: classic rehabilitation with Blood Flow Restriction Training, classic rehabilitation with sham Blood Flow Restriction Training, or classic rehabilitation alone. Participants will undergo MRI scans and Shear Wave Elastography measurements to assess injury severity and muscle elasticity. The study will help determine the effectiveness of Blood Flow Restriction Training in enhancing recovery outcomes.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are male football players aged 18 to 35 with acute hamstring strain injuries.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of hamstring injuries or contraindications for vascular occlusion will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve recovery times and muscle elasticity for patients with hamstring injuries.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with Blood Flow Restriction Training in various rehabilitation contexts, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Acute hamstring strain injury * Male * Adult (18+) between 18 and 35 years old Exclusion Criteria: * History of hamstring injuries * Recent severe trauma or surgery in the lower extremity * Any contra-indication for occluding vascular flow (such as hypertension, risk factors for and/or history of cardiovascular pathologies or thromboembolism, surgery, fractures, severe obesity,...)
Where this trial is running
Ghent
- Department of rehabilitation sciences — Ghent, Belgium (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Erik Witvrouw, Prof. dr. — Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Ghent University
- Study coordinator: Dries Pieters
- Email: dries.pieters@ugent.be
- Phone: +32 9 332 6917
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.