Blood Flow Restriction Training for The Shoulder

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The aim of this study is to determine if BFR-LIX promotes greater increases in shoulder lean mass, rotator cuff strength, endurance, and acute increases in shoulder muscle activation compared to LIX alone.

Detailed Description
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Thirty-two healthy adults were randomized into two groups (BFRm=13,f=3, NoBFRm=10,f=6) that performed 8wks of shoulder LIX [2/wk, 4 sets (30/15/15/fatigue), 20%max] using common rotator cuff exercises [cable external rotation (ER), cable internal rotation (IR), dumbbell scaption (SCAP), and side-lying dumbbell ER (SLER)]. The BFR group also trained with an automated tourniquet placed at the proximal arm (50%-occlusion). Regional lean mass (dual-energy-xray-absorptiometry), isometric strength, and muscular endurance (repetitions-to-fatigue, RTF, 20%max, with and without 50%-occlusion) was measured before and after training. Electromyographic amplitude (EMGa) was also recorded from target shoulder muscles during endurance testing. A mixed-model ANCOVA (covaried on baseline measures) was used to detect within and between-group differences in primary outcome measures (α=0.05).

Official Title
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Blood Flow Restriction Training for The Shoulder: A Case for Proximal Benefit

Conditions
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Healthy

Intervention / Treatment
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* Device: Blood flow restriction therapy


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Healthy, untrained volunteers Exclusion Criteria: Previous history of shoulder injury occurring in the laterality of choice Current painful dysfunction resulting in exercise limitation Any health-related exercise limitation as ordered by physician Vascular compromise or previous vascular surgery Ages outside of 18-65 Inability to access clinic and equipment Currently involved in structured strength training regimen of the upper extremity

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 65 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Basic Science
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Interventional Model Description: Participants were randomized to either perform exercises with blood flow restriction therapy or without
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| No Intervention: No Intervention: Control<br>Participants in this group performed the exercises without the blood flow restriction therapy cuff | |
| Experimental: Experimental: BFR<br>Participants in this group performed the exercises with the blood flow restriction therapy cuff | Device: Blood flow restriction therapy<br>* The study group underwent the same exercises as the control group modified by the use of a tourniquet for blood flow restriction during those exercises.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Determine if BFR changes loss of LE lean muscle mass | LE lean muscle mass was measured in grams using DEXA | Baseline and 8 weeks | 
| Isometric rotator cuff strength | Peak strength was measured using a hand-held dunamometer | Baseline and 8 weeks | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Strength endurance | repetitions to fatigue (RTF) were performed for 3 exercises | Baseline and 8 weeks | 
| Electromyography | wireless surface electromyography (EMG, Trigno, Delsys®, Natick, Massachusetts, USA) was recorded | Twice a week for 8 weeks |