Low-load resistance training with blood flow restriction for military personnel with lower limb injuries
The Effects of Different Blood Flow Restriction Training Methodologies During the Rehabilitation of Military Personnel With Lower Limb Musculoskeletal Injuries Primarily Limited by Pain: a 2 Part Randomised Controlled Trial (Phase One)
NA · Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre, UK · NCT06621914
This study is testing if a special type of exercise using low weights and blood flow restriction can help military personnel with lower limb injuries feel less pain and recover better.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 28 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 55 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre, UK (other gov) |
| Locations | 1 site (Loughborough, Leicestershire) |
| Trial ID | NCT06621914 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the feasibility and effectiveness of low-load resistance training combined with blood flow restriction (BFR) to alleviate pain and improve rehabilitation outcomes in UK military personnel suffering from lower limb injuries. The research aims to identify the optimal BFR exercise protocol that can reduce pain and enhance recovery, while also exploring the physiological mechanisms that contribute to these effects. Participants will undergo a three-week rehabilitation program at the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre, where their progress will be monitored and assessed.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are serving UK military personnel aged 18-55 with unilateral lower limb injuries where pain is the primary limiting factor for recovery.
Not a fit: Patients with non-musculoskeletal conditions, serious pathologies, or contraindications to blood flow restriction will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve pain management and rehabilitation outcomes for military personnel with lower limb injuries.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with blood flow restriction training in various clinical populations, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Serving UK military personnel, * Aged 18-55, * Has unilateral lower limb injury whereby pain is the primary limiting factor hindering progression, as diagnosed by relevant consultant and team, * Reduced occupational employability and function, * Scheduled to attend DMRC Stanford Hall for 3 week residential rehabilitation course. Exclusion Criteria: MSK-Specific Exclusion Criteria * Any medical contraindication related to BFR\* * Non-musculoskeletal or serious pathological condition (i.e. Inflammatory arthropathy, infection or tumour) * Spinal or referred pain from non-local pain source * Any pre-diagnosed physical impairment or co-morbidities (including cardio-vascular disease) precluding the safe participation in the rehabilitation programme and/or assessment procedures * Corticosteroid or analgesic injection intervention to the affected area within the previous 7 days * Currently pregnant, or have not yet completed a return to work assessment following the birth of your child. \*Medical-Related Exclusion Criteria * History of cardiovascular disease (hypertension, peripheral vascular disease, thrombosis/embolism, ischaemic heart disease, myocardial infarction), * History of the following musculoskeletal disorders: rheumatoid arthritis, avascular necrosis or osteonecrosis, severe osteoarthritis * History of the following neurological disorders: Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, peripheral neuropathy, Parkinson's disease, severe traumatic brain injury, * Varicose veins in the lower limb, * Acute viral or bacterial upper or lower respiratory infection at screening, * Known or suspected lower limb chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) (tourniquet raises intra-compartmental muscle pressure), * Surgical insertion of metal components at the position of cuff inflation, * History of any of the following conditions or disorders not previously listed: diabetes, active cancer, * History of elevated risk of unexplained fainting or dizzy spells during physical activity and/or exercise that causes loss of balance, * Increased risk of haemorrhagic stroke, exercise induced rhabdomyolysis, * Currently pregnant.
Where this trial is running
Loughborough, Leicestershire
- Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre, Stanford Hall — Loughborough, Leicestershire, United Kingdom (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Peter Ladlow, PhD — Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre, UK
- Study coordinator: Peter Ladlow, PhD
- Email: peter.ladlow100@mod.gov.uk
- Phone: +44 1509 251 500
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.
Conditions: Pain, Persistent Pain, Musculoskeletal Pain, blood flow restriction, persistent pain, hypoalgesia