Heavy-load Resistance Training With and Without Blood Flo... | NCT07128862

NCT07128862

Protocol Section

Identification Module

Results Section

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No data is available for this block.

Annotation Section

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Document Section

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Derived Section

Miscellaneous Info Module

Status Module

Description Module

Detailed Description

This study is a single-blinded randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing heavy-load resistance training (HLRT) with blood flow restriction (BFR) versus HLRT alone. Participants will be blinded to group allocation, but outcome assessors will not remain blinded throughout the study.

Group A participants will perform three important exercises namely back squats, leg press, and bench press. Those exercises were performed at a training intensity ranging from 70-80% of each person's 1-repetition maximum (1RM). 12 cm pneumatic cuffs was placed proximally on the thigh (for exercise of lower body) and arm (for exercise of upper body), and blood flow restriction was applied through them. Doppler ultrasound was used weekly to measure limb occlusion pressure (LOP) to then set the cuff pressure at 50% of each participant's predetermined LOP. During working sets it was made the cuffs inflated but during rest periods they were deflated. The exercise protocol consists of:

Back squats: 4 sets of 6 repetitions
Leg press: 3 sets of 8 repetitions
Bench press: 3 sets of 10 repetitions All sets will be followed by a standardized 2-minute rest period. Training load will progressively increased by 2.5-5% when participants can complete all prescribed repetitions with proper form for two consecutive sessions.

Group B: Heavy-Load Resistance Training Only (HLRT) This control group will perform the identical exercise protocol (same exercises, intensities, volumes, and rest periods) as the BFR group, but without any blood flow restriction application. The same progression criteria will be used for both groups to ensure comparable training stimulus.

Post-Intervention Data Collection (Week 4)

Following the 4-week intervention period, all participants were undergone reassessment using the same measures collected at baseline:

1RM testing for back squat and bench press
Muscular endurance tests (max repetition squat test and 1-minute push-up test)
International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)

Design Module

Interventional Study Design

Biospecimen

No data available

No data is available for this block.

Arms/Interventions Module

Arm Groups

Label	Type	Description	Intervention Names
Heavy-Load Resistance Training with Blood Flow Restriction	Experimental	In this group, the participants will perform three important exercises namely back squats, leg press, and bench press. Those exercises were performed at a training intensity ranging from 70-80% of each person's 1-repetition maximum (1RM). 12 cm pneumatic cuffs was placed proximally on the thigh (for exercise of lower body) and arm (for exercise of upper body), and blood flow restriction was applied through them. Doppler ultrasound was used weekly to measure limb occlusion pressure (LOP) to then set the cuff pressure at 50% of each participant's predetermined LOP. During working sets it was made the cuffs inflated but during rest periods they were deflated. The exercise protocol consists of:	Other: Heavy-Load Resistance Training with Blood Flow Restriction
Heavy-Load Resistance Training Only (HLRT)	Experimental	This control group will perform the identical exercise protocol (same exercises, intensities, volumes, and rest periods) as the BFR group, but without any blood flow restriction application. The same progression criteria will be used for both groups to ensure comparable training stimulus.	Other: Heavy-Load Resistance Training Only

Interventions

Name	Type	Description	Arm Group Labels	Other Names
Heavy-Load Resistance Training with Blood Flow Restriction	Other	Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Training (also known as "Kaatsu" training is an innovative and increasingly popular exercise technique to improve muscle strength and hypertrophy with relatively low loads. Heavy Load Resistance Training (HL-RT) is one of the most effective exercise methodology that is widely used to increase muscular strength and hypertrophy.

Outcomes Module

Primary Outcomes

Measure	Description	Time Frame
1RM strength	The 1 Repetition Maximum (1 RM) Testing protocol determines quadriceps maximal strength through identifying the maximum weight an individual can lift in a single attempt with exercises that include the leg press or squat and leg extension movements.	6 weeks
Squat Endurance	Experts have established the validity of 3-5 RM squats as a strength test because they correlate strongly with quadriceps force output and exhibit excellent reliability (ICC > 0.90) through standardization of stance and depth and rest periods. Maximal bodyweight squats at 60-70% 1 RM or to complete failure serve as reliable (ICC ~0.70-0.85) and moderate tests of endurance even though hip and core involvement affects validity.	6 weeks
Push Up Performance	The push-up test is largely used to evaluate upper body endurance and strength (chest, shoulders, triceps) without much activation of the quadriceps and should not be considered as an indicator of quad endurance or strength. On standard push ups though, quads serve only as stabilizers which means it does not provide much of contribution than exercise such as squatting or doing leg extensions. Push-ups can still be considered a reliable test (ICC ~0.80-0.90) for upper body muscular endurance but cannot be used to assess quadriceps function	6 weeks
International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) scores	International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Interpretation: Higher score indicates increased physical activity in athletes. Effect of interpretation: BFR with heavy load training significantly increases physical activity levels as compared to control. Description: The International Physical Activity Questionnaire - short form (IPAQ-SF) will be used to assess a participant's total physical activity levels. This self-report tool estimates MET-minutes per week across various domains. The score ranges from 0 to an upper limit, with higher scores indicating greater levels of physical activity.

Eligibility Module