Is Low-load Resistance Training With Blood Flow Restriction Feasible During Rehabilitation of Military Personnel With Lower Limb Injuries? Phase One RCT.

Launched by DEFENCE MEDICAL REHABILITATION CENTRE, UK · Sep 28, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is investigating whether a special type of exercise called low-load resistance training with blood flow restriction (BFR) can help reduce pain for military personnel recovering from lower limb injuries. The study aims to find the best way to use this exercise to not only lessen pain but also improve overall rehabilitation outcomes, helping injured service members get back to their duties more effectively. Researchers believe that understanding how BFR exercise works could lead to better pain management practices in both military and civilian rehabilitation settings.

To participate in this trial, individuals must be active UK military personnel aged 18 to 55 who have a specific lower limb injury causing significant pain that affects their ability to work. Participants will be required to attend a three-week rehabilitation program. It's important to note that those with certain medical conditions or previous injuries may not be eligible to ensure safety during the trial. Participants can expect to engage in a structured exercise program designed to be both effective and safe, while contributing to important research that could benefit many others in similar situations.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility 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.