6-Weeks of Blood Flow Restriction Training on Immune Cell Function and Bioenergetics

Impact of 6-Weeks of Blood Flow Restriction Training on Immune Cell Function and Bioenergetics in Adults withT2D

To conduct a randomized control trial to determine the impact of 6-weeks of blood flow restriction training on immune cell function and bioenergetics in adults living with type 2 diabetes.

Participants will be randomized to a regular treadmill walking group or treadmill walking with blood flow restriction (BFR) group for 6 weeks. In both groups participants will complete treadmill walking on 3 days per week for 6 weeks. During week 1 participants will walk for 21 minutes during each session which will be increased to 32 minutes for the remaining 5 weeks of the study. In both groups the treadmill speed and grade will be set to elicit 40-50% heart rate reserve. In the BFR group the cuffs will be inflated based on each participants individualized limb occlusion pressure (LOP). The cuffs will remain inflated for the entire session but will deflate for 1 minute every 10 minutes based on safety recommendations. The percentage of LOP will progressively increase over the course of the intervention. Weeks 1 and 2 will be completed at 60% LOP, after which pressure will increase by 5% each subsequent week, corresponding to 65%, 70%, 75%, and 80% LOP during weeks 3, 4, 5, and 6, respectively. All outcomes will be assessed at baseline before randomization and at the end of the 6-week intervention.

Inclusion Criteria:

A. Aged 19-64 years. B. Diagnosed with type 2 diabetes with current HbA1c 5.7-9.0% C. Completing <150 minutes of moderate-vigorous physical activity per week.

Exclusion Criteria:

A. Chronic musculoskeletal condition or recent (within 2 years) cardiovascular event preventing participation in exercise.

B. Unstable type 2 diabetes medication of the last 3 months C. Absolute contraindications to BFR (i.e., peripheral vascular disease) D. A self-reported diagnosis of low iron concentrations, anemia, or being treated for these conditions E. A diagnosis of any red blood cell-altering condition (i.e., sickle cell anemia, poikilocytosis) F. Currently living with any cardiovascular disease, which would impact the ability to participate in exercise safely G. Currently prescribed any medication which would impact the ability to use a heart rate monitor to accurately track intensity