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Effects of Blood Flow Restriction vs. High-Load Resistance Training on Arm Strength

The Effect of Blood Flow Restriction Resistance Exercise on Arm Muscle Strength and Isokinetic Contraction Parameters

Status
Completed
Phases
Unknown
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT07462520
Acronym
BFRT-ARM
Enrollment
22
Registered
2026-03-10
Start date
2024-02-05
Completion date
2024-04-01
Last updated
2026-03-12

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Blood Flow Restriction, Muscle Strength, Resistance Training

Keywords

Blood flow restriction, Resistance exercise, Isokinetic contraction, Muscle strength, Peak Torque

Brief summary

This study investigated the effects of low-load resistance training combined with blood flow restriction (BFRT) compared to traditional high-load resistance training on arm muscle strength and isokinetic contraction parameters in healthy young adults. Participants were prospectively assigned to either a low-load BFRT group or a high-load resistance training group for a 7-week intervention period. Muscle strength and isokinetic peak torque were assessed before and after the intervention. The primary objective was to determine whether low-load BFRT produces comparable improvements in muscle strength and isokinetic performance to high-load resistance training.

Detailed description

his interventional study was designed to compare the effects of low-load blood flow restriction resistance training (LL-BFRT) and high-load resistance training (HL-RT) on arm muscle strength and isokinetic contraction parameters in healthy individuals. A total of 22 healthy young adults were prospectively assigned to either a low-load BFRT group or a high-load resistance training group. The intervention lasted 7 weeks. The low-load BFRT group performed resistance exercises at 30% of one-repetition maximum (1RM) combined with individualized blood flow restriction pressure, while the high-load group trained at 70% of 1RM without blood flow restriction. Primary outcome measures included isokinetic peak torque values of the elbow flexors and extensors. Secondary outcomes included muscle strength assessments. All participants completed pre-intervention and post-intervention evaluations. The study aimed to determine whether low-load BFRT can induce strength and performance adaptations comparable to traditional high-load resistance training, offering an alternative training strategy when high mechanical loads are not desirable.

Interventions

Low-load resistance training performed at 30% of one-repetition maximum with individualized blood flow restriction pressure.

PROCEDUREHigh Load Resistance Training

Traditional resistance training performed at 70% of one-repetition maximum without blood flow restriction.

Sponsors

Gazi University
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE

Masking description

This was an open-label study. No masking was applied to participants, investigators, or outcome assessors.

Intervention model description

Participants were prospectively assigned to one of two parallel groups: a low-load blood flow restriction training group or a high-load resistance training group. Both groups completed a 7-week intervention, and outcomes were assessed pre- and post-intervention.

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
MALE
Age
18 Years to 40 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes

Inclusion criteria

* Healthy individuals between the ages of 18 and 40 * Individuals not taking any dietary supplements * Individuals not taking a substance containing anabolic ingredients * Individuals subjected to a resistance training program for at least 6 months * Individuals not performing aerobic training for more than 30 minutes per day * Individuals training with a personal trainer

Exclusion criteria

* Individuals with a skeletal muscle injury in the last 6 months * Individuals who have undergone a surgical operation * Individuals with chronic high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease * Individuals who miss three consecutive training sessions * Individuals with chronic cardiovascular disease

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Arm Muscle StrengthBaseline and after 7 weeks of trainingIsokinetic peak torque of elbow flexor and extensor muscles measured using an isokinetic dynamometer.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Isokinetic Contraction ParametersBaseline and after 7 weeks of trainingIsokinetic peak torque (Nm) of elbow flexor and extensor muscles measured using an isokinetic dynamometer.

Countries

Turkey (Türkiye)

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Mar 28, 2026