The Hypoalgesic Effects of Low Load Blood Flow Restriction Training (BFRT)

The Acute Effect of Upper Limb Low Load Blood Flow Restriction Training (BFRT) on Hypoalgesia. A Randomized Controlled Trial

A randomized controlled trial comparing the immediate effects of upper limb low-load blood flow restriction training (BFRT) with high load sham-BFRT on hypoalgesia and perceptual response in healthy adults

Healthy individuals will be randomized to one of two groups. A target of 40 patients for enrollment has been set for 80% power, p<0.05 (Effect size= 1). A single Intervention will be used (40 minutes).

Intervention Group: A single exercise of elbow flexion with Blood Flow Restriction (30-15-15-15 reps) using 30% of 1 Repetition Maximum.

Control Group: A single exercise of elbow flexion with sham Blood Flow Restriction (4x10 reps) using 65% of 1 Repetition Maximum.

Primary outcome: pressure pain thresholds on quadriceps, biceps, lateral epicondyle and upper trapezius (bilateral).

Secondary outcomes: difference in perceptual response (exertion), change in blood pressure

Inclusion Criteria:

• BMI< 30
• able to perform full elbow flexion and extension

Exclusion Criteria:

• shoulder tendinopathy,
• cervical radiculopathy,
• rheumatoid arthritis,
• neurological deficit,
• serious cardiovascular diseases,
• venous deficiency,
• history of heart surgery,
• cancer history,
• breast surgery,
• orthopaedic surgeries during the last 6 months,
• thrombosis,
• diabetes,
• body mass Index ≥ 30,
• Crohn syndrome,
• family or personal history of pulmonary embolism