Low-load blood flow restriction training to boost arm strength in people with COPD
Official title: Effects Of Low-Load Blood Flow Restriction Training Of The Upper Extremity In Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Run by Inonu University · NCT07469111 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial tests whether adding low-load blood flow restriction to arm exercises helps people with moderate COPD get stronger and improve upper-extremity function compared with a sham procedure.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 40 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 36 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Inonu University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Malatya, Battalgazi) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 15, 2026 |
| Main results expected | December 25, 2026 |
| Study ends | December 25, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | March 13, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07469111 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are clinically stable adults aged 40–80 with GOLD stage 2–3 COPD, resting SpO2 ≥88%, MoCA ≥24, and no orthopedic, peripheral vascular, or recent cardiovascular contraindications to upper-extremity exercise.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with uncontrolled hypertension, severe arrhythmia, recent myocardial infarction, deep vein thrombosis, peripheral vascular disease, active infection/open wounds, recent upper-extremity surgery, or significant cognitive impairment 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
People with COPD often cannot tolerate high-intensity exercise, which limits gains in peripheral muscle strength; low-load blood flow restriction training (LL-BFRT) may produce strength gains using much lower mechanical loads. This interventional study compares LL-BFRT plus aerobic exercise with a sham-BFRT plus the same aerobic program in clinically stable patients with GOLD stage 2–3 COPD. Eligible participants are adults 40–80 years old without recent exacerbations or contraindicating cardiovascular or vascular conditions and will perform supervised low-load upper-extremity resistance sessions alongside aerobic training. Primary outcomes focus on upper-extremity muscle strength, function, and tolerability of the intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, LL-BFRT could allow people with COPD to gain meaningful arm strength and better perform daily activities while avoiding high-intensity loading that their lungs cannot tolerate.
How similar studies have gone: Low-load BFRT has produced strength gains in healthy and various clinical populations and small studies in COPD show promise, but evidence specifically for upper-limb BFRT in COPD remains limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Individuals aged 40-80 years with stage 2 and 3 COPD diagnosed according to GOLD criteria * Clinically stable COPD (no exacerbation in the last 6 weeks) * Stable medical treatment for at least 4 weeks * No orthopedic or neurological problems that would prevent them from performing upper extremity exercises * Resting SpO2 ≥ 88% * Able to understand and follow verbal instructions in Turkish * Individuals with a Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCa) score ≥ 24 will be included. Exclusion Criteria: * Uncontrolled hypertension * Severe arrhythmia * Recent MI * Deep vein thrombosis * Peripheral vascular disease * Presence of infection or open wound * Having undergone upper extremity surgery within the last 6 months * Cognitive impairment or cooperation problems will be among the exclusion criteria
Where it's running
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Malatya Education and Research Hospital
Malatya, Battalgazi, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Zeynal Yasacı, Doctor Lecturer
- Email: zeynal.yasaci@inonu.edu.tr
- Phone: +905075409791
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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.