Physiological and Biochemical Responses to Blood Flow Restriction Training

Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University30 enrolled

Overview

This study is designed to examine the short-term and long-term effects of blood flow restriction exercise training on physiological and biochemical markers in individuals who are new to strength training and in experienced athletes training at different load levels. This exercise method involves placing a special inflatable cuff around the upper part of the thigh. The cuff partially limits blood flow to the area, which helps the muscles work more effectively during exercise. The cuff will be applied only to the individual's dominant leg (the leg you use more often in daily activities), but all exercises will be performed using both legs. The exercise program will last for a total of six weeks and will be carried out twice per week. The pressure applied by the cuff will be individually adjusted based on each participant's physical characteristics to ensure safety and comfort. The study will include a total of 30 healthy participants aged between 18 and 40 years. Participants will be divided into two groups: individuals who have recently started strength training and experienced athletes with different levels of training experience.

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Enrollment

Conditions

Healthy Individuals Trained Athletes

Interventions

Adaptation to blood flow restriction exercise training and the individually tailored occlusion pressure will be determined during the initial sessions. Occlusion pressure will be assessed while the participant is in a supine position by inflating a pneumatic cuff placed on the thigh until the tibial artery pulse is no longer detectable, which will be confirmed using a handheld Doppler device. To ensure safe adaptation to the training protocol, the pressure applied during the first two training sessions will be set below the individually determined target pressure. The full target occlusion pressure will be implemented starting from the third training session. For example, if the target pressure is determined as 300 mmHg, exercises will be performed at 200 mmHg during the first session and 250 mmHg during the second session. Blood flow restriction training principles will be applied during exercise loading. Four different types of exercises will be set up in four sets.

Eligibility

Sex: MALEMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 40 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Voluntary participation of healthy adults * Age between 18 and 40 years * No history of orthopedic pathology or current symptoms affecting the lower extremities * For individuals with prior training experience: engagement in strength training at least two days per week for the past year across different sports disciplines * For individuals new to strength training: no regular participation in strength training within the past six months Exclusion Criteria: * History of hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, peripheral vascular diseases, deep vein thrombosis, neurological disorders, obesity, or a diagnosis of diabetes * Current or previous diagnosis of cancer * Individuals who do not consent to participate in the study

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Muscle Thickness

Time frame: Baseline and after 6 weeks of training

Blood Biomarkers

Oxidative Stress Markers Growth Factor Levels Muscle Damage Markers

Time frame: Blood samples will be collected at three time points: before and immediately after the third training session to assess acute responses, and at the end of the 6-week training period to assess long-term effects.