Treadmill walking with blood flow restriction for people with type 2 diabetes
Official title: Testing the Feasibility of Blood Flow Restriction Training to Enhance the Health Benefits of Exercise in Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes: a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by University of New Brunswick · NCT07196371 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study will test whether adding blood flow restriction to treadmill walking for adults with type 2 diabetes improves cardiorespiratory fitness and blood sugar control compared with regular treadmill walking.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 19 Years to 64 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of New Brunswick Academic / other |
| Locations | 3 sites (Okanagan, British Columbia and 2 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | December 2028 |
| Study ends | December 2028 |
| Registry record updated | January 26, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07196371 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 19–64 with type 2 diabetes (HbA1c 5.7–9.0%) who are not regularly meeting 150 minutes per week of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity are the ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
People with peripheral vascular disease, cardiovascular disease, anemia or other red blood cell disorders, unstable medications, or musculoskeletal issues preventing exercise 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
This is a single-blind, multi-site, randomized pilot comparing 6 weeks of supervised treadmill aerobic training with blood flow restriction (AT+BFR) versus standard treadmill aerobic training in people with type 2 diabetes. Sixty participants aged 19–64 with HbA1c between 5.7% and 9.0% will be randomized 1:1 across three Canadian sites and complete 96 minutes of treadmill walking per week for 6 weeks. Outcomes including cardiorespiratory fitness, measures of glycemia, and questionnaires will be collected at baseline and after 6 weeks to estimate feasibility and preliminary effect sizes. The protocol was informed by patients with lived experience and uses stratified randomization by sex and site.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could produce faster or larger improvements in fitness and blood sugar control than standard aerobic training.
How similar studies have gone: Emerging studies in healthy individuals suggest aerobic training plus blood flow restriction can speed fitness gains, but its safety and effectiveness in people with type 2 diabetes remain largely untested.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (5.7% \< HbA1c \< 9.0%) * Not regularly physically active (150 mins moderate-vigorous physical activity per week) Exclusion Criteria: * Musculoskeletal issues preventing exercise training * Unstable medications over the last 3 months * Absolute contraindications to BFR (i.e. peripheral vascular disease) * A self-reported diagnosis of low iron concentrations, anemia, or being treated for these conditions * A diagnosis of any red blood cell-altering condition (i.e., sickle cell anemia, poikilocytosis) * Currently living with any cardiovascular disease, which would impact the ability to participate in exercise safely * Currently prescribed any medication which would impact the ability to use a heart rate monitor to accurately track intensity
Where it's running
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Cardiometabolic Exercise & Lifestyle Laboratory
Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada Recruiting -
Human Performance & Health Research Laboratory
Guelph, Ontario, Canada Recruiting -
Exercise Metabolism and Inflammation Laboratory
Okanagan, British Columbia, Canada Not yet recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Martin Senechal, PhD — Cardiometabolic Exercise & Lifestyle Laboratory, Fredericton, New Brunswick
- Study coordinator: Martin Senechal, PhD
- Email: martin.senechal@unb.ca
- Phone: 506-451-6889
Similar studies
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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.