Acute Physiological Responses to Twice Daily Blood Flow Restriction Training

Launched by DEFENCE MEDICAL REHABILITATION CENTRE, UK · Mar 19, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a type of exercise called blood flow restriction training, which involves using a special band to limit blood flow to the muscles during workouts. The goal is to see how this training affects muscle swelling, damage, and inflammation, especially in military personnel who have knee pain. The trial will compare the effects of light resistance exercises with and without blood flow restriction to understand how this method might help in recovery and rehabilitation.

To participate, you need to be between 18 and 55 years old and have not done regular lower-body strength training in the last six months. Participants will be DMRC staff members, either civilian or military. If you join the study, you can expect to take part in guided exercise sessions and provide feedback on how you feel and any changes you notice. It’s important to note that certain health conditions, like cardiovascular problems or specific injuries, may prevent you from participating, as the training could pose risks.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Age 18 - 55 years
• • Must not have performed regular lower-limb resistance training for the last 6 months (participants must have performed \< 1 lower-limb resistance training session per week over the previous 6 months)
• • DMRC Staff member (civilian or service personnel)
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Any medical contraindication related to BFR\*.
• • Any current lower-limb musculoskeletal injury
• • Restricted range of movement. i.e. Chronically locked knee or fixed flexion deformity.
• • Any physical impairment or co-morbidities (including cardio-vascular disease) precluding the safe participation in the intervention and/or assessment procedures
• • Non-musculoskeletal or serious pathological condition (i.e. Inflammatory arthropathy, infection or tumour).
• • Use of any medication which may contraindicate the performance of BFR or influence blood biomarkers of EIMD or inflammation.
• • Use of any performance enhancing supplements or ergogenic aids such as creatine monohydrate.
• • Any individual who is known to be currently pregnant
• \*Medical-based Exclusion Criteria (based on clinical contraindications to performing BFR):
• • 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: Peripheral neuropathy, Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, 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 (tourniquet raises intra-compartmental muscle pressure).
• • Postsurgical swelling.
• • 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/exercise that causes loss of balance
• • Increased risk of haemorrhagic stroke, exercise induced rhabdomyolysis.