Is Low-load Resistance Training With Blood Flow Restriction More Effective Than Traditional Rehabilitation of Military Personnel With Lower Limb Injuries

Launched by DEFENCE MEDICAL REHABILITATION CENTRE, UK · Sep 30, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new type of exercise called low-load resistance training with blood flow restriction (BFR) to see if it helps military personnel with lower limb injuries feel less pain and recover better than traditional rehabilitation methods. Pain can make it hard for injured soldiers to return to their duties, and this study aims to find the best way to use BFR exercises to help them. The researchers will look at how effective these exercises are in reducing pain and improving recovery, as well as understanding how they work in the body.

To participate in the trial, individuals must be active UK military personnel aged 18 to 55 with a specific lower limb injury causing significant pain that affects their ability to work and function. They should be scheduled for a three-week rehabilitation program at DMRC Stanford Hall. However, there are some health conditions that would prevent someone from taking part, such as serious heart issues or certain musculoskeletal disorders. If eligible, participants can expect to engage in a structured exercise program aimed at reducing pain and improving their rehabilitation outcomes. This trial is not yet recruiting participants, but the findings could greatly benefit military and civilian rehabilitation practices in the future.

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.
• • 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.