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
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
40
After warming up, the load is set at 80% of the predicted 1Repetition Maximum (RM) for elbow flexors. Following each successful repetition, the load is increased by 0.5 to 1kg until patients: fail to execute the exercise through the entire range of motion; used improper form to complete the repetition; needed assistance; reported pain. We will allow a 2-3 min of rest between each attempt to ensure recovery. The session starts by calculating the arterial occlusion pressure in the standard anatomical position. Participants rest in the standing position for 3-5 minutes before measurement to ensure restoration of blood flow circulation and a cuff is placed in the most proximal part of their dominant upper-limb. BFR application is conducted by using an automatic personalized tourniquet system (Mad-Up Pro, France). An 40% occlusion pressure is set and subjects perform 4 sets of elbow flexion (30-15-15-15 reps) using 30% of 1 RM
After warming up, the load is set at 80% of the predicted 1Repetition Maximum (RM) for elbow flexors. Following each successful repetition, the load is increased by 0.5 to 1kg until patients: fail to execute the exercise through the entire range of motion; used improper form to complete the repetition; needed assistance; reported pain. We will allow a 2-3 min of rest between each attempt to ensure recovery. The session starts by calculating the arterial occlusion pressure in the standard anatomical position. Participants rest in the standing position for 3-5 minutes before measurement to ensure restoration of blood flow circulation and a cuff is placed in the most proximal part of their dominant upper-limb. BFR application is conducted by using an automatic personalized tourniquet system (Mad-Up Pro, France). An \<20% of occlusion pressure is set and subjects perform 4 sets of 10 reps of elbow flexion using 65% of 1 RM
University of West Attica
Aigáleo, Attica, Greece
Pressure pain threshold
Changes between pre- and post- intervention in Pressure Pain Threshold will be measured using bilateral sites on quadriceps, upper trapezius, lateral epicondyle and biceps. The COMPACT DIGITAL ALGOMETER CAPACITIES TO: 100 lbf / 50 kgf / 500 N, will be used by an independent assessor. The assessor will be blinded to participants' group.
Time frame: Baseline and 30 minutes
Rating of perceived exertion
Changes between each set of exercise of Perceived Exertion. Measurements will include a Borg 6-20 scale based on the strain and fatigue in muscles. 6 means 'no exertion at all' and 20 means 'maximal
Time frame: At the end of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th set ( after 1, 2, 3 and 4 minutes respectively)
Blood pressure
Changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressure between pre and post intervention. Blood pressure will be measured in a seated position using a electronic device (Omron)
Time frame: Baseline and 30 minutes
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