Effects of BFR Training on Muscle Strength, Thickness, and Motivation in National Adolescent Male Canoe Athletes

The BRAVE-CAN Study: A Clinical Trial Investigating the Effects of Blood Flow Restriction Training on Lower Extremity Muscle Strength, Muscle Thickness, and Sport Motivation in Adolescent Male National Canoe Athletes

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of blood flow restriction (BFR) exercises on lower extremity muscle strength, muscle thickness, and sport-specific motivation in adolescent elite male canoe athletes. Participants aged 15-18 years will perform low-intensity resistance exercises supported by BFR twice a week for 8 weeks. Pre- and post-intervention measurements will include one-repetition maximum (1RM) for muscle strength, ultrasound for muscle thickness, and the Sport Motivation Scale for assessing motivation. Findings are expected to contribute to optimizing training protocols for canoe athletes and to reveal the potential performance-enhancing role of BFR training.

This randomized controlled trial aims to investigate the physiological and psychological effects of blood flow restriction (BFR) training on adolescent elite male canoe athletes. Canoeing is a demanding endurance sport requiring well-developed upper and lower extremity strength, core stability, and high levels of sport-specific motivation. In adolescent athletes, whose musculoskeletal and hormonal systems are still developing, traditional high-load resistance training may not always be feasible or safe. BFR training, which involves restricting venous blood flow while performing low-intensity exercises, has emerged as a potential alternative for promoting muscle hypertrophy and strength with reduced mechanical stress.

In this study, a total of 40 adolescent male canoe athletes aged 15 to 18 years are enrolled and randomized into two groups: a BFR intervention group (n=28) and a control group (n=12). The intervention group participates in a supervised BFR-supported resistance training program twice a week for 8 weeks using KAATSU C3 equipment applied to the lower limbs. Both groups continue their regular canoe training programs. Assessments are performed before and after the 8-week training period by blinded evaluators.

Primary outcome measures include isokinetic muscle strength tests, ultrasound-based measurements of muscle thickness and cross-sectional area (CSA), and scores from the validated Sport Motivation Scale. The study is designed to explore potential effects of BFR training on muscular strength, hypertrophy, sprint capacity, and motivational subdomains in this athletic population.

This research aims to contribute to the growing body of literature regarding the applicability of BFR training in adolescent athletes, with a focus on its physiological and psychological outcomes. Findings from this study may help inform future training strategies for youth involved in high-performance sports.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male athletes aged between 15 and 18 years
• Registered elite-level canoe athletes actively training within a national program
• Minimum of 2 years of canoe sport experience
• Voluntary participation with informed consent (for minors: parental/guardian consent)
• Medically cleared to participate in physical training and testing

Exclusion Criteria:

• Existing orthopedic injuries or musculoskeletal disorders affecting lower extremities
• History of cardiovascular, neurological, or metabolic diseases
• Non-compliance with the training protocol during the study
• Participation in any other structured strength training program during the study period
• Use of medications or supplements affecting muscle performance or motivation