Blood Flow Restriction Training as a Targeted Intervention for Rowers With Back Pain.

Launched by LOMA LINDA UNIVERSITY · Aug 18, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a special type of exercise called blood flow restriction training (LL-BFR) to see if it can help rowers with mild or recurring low back pain improve their performance and reduce the chance of hurting their backs again. The researchers want to find out if this lighter training method is just as effective and possibly safer compared to traditional heavy weight training.

To join the study, participants need to be active rowers between 13 and 20 years old who train regularly and have experienced mild or recurring low back pain that has sometimes affected their practice or races. Participants should be able to complete a 2,000-meter rowing test. The study excludes those with severe back pain, recent surgeries, certain health conditions, or any issues that could make blood flow restriction training unsafe. If eligible, participants will take part in exercise sessions using either the blood flow restriction method or heavy weight training, with the goal of improving back health and rowing ability while reducing injury risk.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Aged 13-20 years old
• • Currently active rower (training ≥3 days/week or 12 hours/week)
• • Mild LBP with a low reactivity (\<3/10) or recurring LBP within the past 18 months that has affected attendance to team practices/races.
• • Able to complete a 2,000-meter rowing erg test
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Have severe or acute back pain that limits basic movement or requires medical treatment
• • History of spinal surgery or structural spine conditions (scoliosis requiring bracing/surgery)
• * Have a contraindication to BFR training, identified via BFR safety screening form:
• • Peripheral vascular disease (PVD)
• • History of vascular surgery in arms or legs
• • Skin grafts on arms or legs
• • Arteriovenous fistula in limbs
• • Cognitive or physical impairment that limits participation
• • Hypertension or high blood pressure (uncontrolled or undiagnosed)
• • Bleeding disorders (e.g., hemophilia)
• • Blood clotting disorders (e.g., lupus, factor-V Leiden)
• • Past history of DVT or pulmonary embolism (PE)
• • Surgery in the past 12 weeks
• • Recent limb immobilization (e.g., cast, boot) in the last 4 weeks
• • History of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA)
• • History of cancer
• • Diagnosed heart disease
• • History of rhabdomyolysis
• • Diagnosed diabetes
• • Sickle cell disease
• • History of compartment syndrome
• • History of nerve damage or injury
• • Any prior complications or adverse reactions to BFR training
• • Any other medical conditions that should be cleared by a physician before starting BFR
• • Pregnancy(Self-reported)