Using blood flow restriction to speed recovery after heavy resistance exercise
Official title: Effect of Blood Flow Restriction on Recovery After Maximal Resistance Exercise: a Controlled Clinical Trial
Run by Paulista University · NCT07342634 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial will test whether short sessions of blood flow restriction at different pressures help healthy men and women recover faster after intense resistance workouts.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 35 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Paulista University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Presidente Prudente, São Paulo) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | December 1, 2026 |
| Study ends | December 1, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | September 16, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07342634 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are healthy adults who perform vigorous resistance exercise and do not have diabetes, hypertension, inflammatory or cardiovascular/respiratory disease, thromboembolism risk factors, or injuries that limit high-intensity activity.
✕Probably not a fit
People with diabetes, hypertension, inflammatory or cardiovascular/respiratory disease, thromboembolic risk factors, existing exercise-limiting injuries, or those unable to attend in-person testing 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 randomized clinical trial will enroll 80 healthy adults (40 men, 40 women) who will be assigned to one of four groups receiving blood flow restriction at 80% of total occlusion pressure, 60% of total occlusion pressure, a low-pressure sham (10 mmHg), or a control condition. All participants will complete a standardized maximal resistance exercise protocol, have baseline and post-exercise assessments, receive their assigned recovery intervention, and then be reassessed immediately and at 24, 48, and 72 hours. Outcomes include pain ratings, perceived recovery and effort scales, bioelectrical impedance markers, pressure-pain thresholds, myotonometry measures of muscle tone/stiffness/elasticity, quadriceps strength, and jump performance tests. The design compares different BFR pressures to determine whether and which pressure accelerates recovery of symptoms and function after muscle-stressing exercise.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could shorten soreness and speed return to full performance after intense resistance sessions, helping athletes and active adults resume training sooner.
How similar studies have gone: Several small randomized studies and meta-analyses have reported that blood flow restriction can reduce post-exercise soreness and aid recovery, but optimal pressures and standardized protocols remain uncertain.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Individuals exhibiting one or more of the following characteristics will not be included: * (1) diabetes and hypertension; * (2) inflammatory rheumatological, psychiatric, cardiovascular and/or respiratory disease; * (3) pre-existing injury restricting their ability to perform vigorous physical activities; * (4) having one or more predisposing risk factors for thromboembolism. Exclusion Criteria: * Participants will be excluded from the study if they: * (1) have a health problem that does not allow them to continue; * (2) wish to leave the study; * (3) use medications, electrotherapy, or other therapeutic methods during the study period that could interfere with any results; * (4) not sign the consent form.
Where it's running
-
Franciele Marques Vanderlei
Presidente Prudente, São Paulo, Brazil Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Franciele Marques Vanderlei PhD
- Email: franmvanderlei@gmail.com
- Phone: +55 (18) 3229-5824
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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.