Low-intensity blood flow restriction training to improve leg strength and kicking in taekwondo athletes
Official title: Effects of Low-Intensity Blood Flow Restriction Training on Lower-Limb Strength and Kicking Performance in Taekwondo Athletes: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by Shanghai University of Sport · NCT07538037 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will test if low-intensity blood flow restriction during workouts can help national-level taekwondo athletes (aged 16–25) improve lower-limb strength and kicking performance.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 16 Years to 25 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 18 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Shanghai University of Sport Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 10, 2026 |
| Main results expected | June 29, 2026 |
| Study ends | June 29, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | April 20, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07538037 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
National-level taekwondo athletes aged 16–25 with at least 3 years of systematic training, no lower-limb injury in the past 6 months, and no major cardiovascular, metabolic, or neurological disorders are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals with current lower-limb injuries, relevant medical conditions, or those not meeting the required training background are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Participants are randomized to a low-intensity blood flow restriction training (LI-BFRT) group or a conventional high-intensity resistance training (HIRT) group and complete a supervised 6-week lower-limb program three times per week. LI-BFRT uses controlled external limb occlusion to create a hypoxic, metabolically stressful environment while using lower mechanical loads. The HIRT group performs traditional high-load resistance exercises without occlusion. Outcomes include measures of lower-limb strength, explosive performance, and sport-specific kicking ability to compare the training effects between approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, athletes could achieve similar strength and kicking gains using lower mechanical loads, potentially reducing joint stress and training burden.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research shows LI-BFRT often produces strength and hypertrophy comparable to high-load training in various populations, but sport-specific evidence in taekwondo is limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: \- Taekwondo athletes aged 16-25 years National-level athletes (National Level 1 or higher); Minimum of 3 years of systematic taekwondo training experience; Free from lower-limb injury within the past 6 months; Able to complete the training intervention and testing procedures. Exclusion Criteria: \- History of cardiovascular, metabolic, or neurological disorders; Current musculoskeletal injury or pain affecting training; Participation in other structured resistance training programs during the study period; Use of medications or supplements that may affect physical performance Inability or unwillingness to provide informed consent.
Where it's running
-
Shanghai University of Sport
Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality, China Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Yunzhou Hu, MSc
- Email: 2421852028@sus.edu.cn
- Phone: +86 13532279646
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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.