Low Intensity Blood Flow Restriction Training Study

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The particpant will complete baseline testing by measuring subjects' quadriceps muscle thickness (cm) via ultrasound technology, as well as have them complete a one repetition maximum (1RM) test on the leg press machine and an isometric knee extension using a dynamometer - strength measures will be calculated for both right and left legs. After baseline testing, subjects will complete 6 weeks of the testing protocol that will consist of leg press exercises at 30% of their 1RM. Subjects will be randomized to either wear a cuff that partially restricts blood flow to the limb (Study Group), or to wear a cuff that does not restrict blood flow (Control Group). Exercises will be completed 2x/week and will take approximately 10 total minutes (5 for warm up, 5 for testing protocol) per session. After 6 weeks, muscle thickness, leg press 1RM, and quadriceps extension strength will be re-tested and compared to the initial measurements.

Detailed Description
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Session 1 - baseline testing 5-minute warm-up; 1RM calculation for both right and left legs using a supine leg press machine; isometric quadriceps strength measurement using a dynamometer; muscle thickness measurements of both right and left quadriceps muscle using ultrasound technology. After day 1 testing; randomly allocate subjects to either control group or experimental group Sessions 2-13 - 6 weeks of exercise protocol, 2x/per week Both the experimental and control groups will complete the same protocol for the entirety of the study: 5- minute warm up Using a single-leg press exercise machine: Subjects complete the testing protocol with either partial blood flow restriction (cuff inflated to 100-250 mmhg depending on size of person) or no blood flow restriction (placebo inflation) on right limb. Protocol: 30 repetitions - 15 repetitions - 15 repetitions - 15 repetitions with each set separated by  30-90 seconds. Right and left legs will be alternating, but only one leg will have the occlusion cuff Session 14 - Re-test - Re-check 1RM, isometric quad strength, as well as muscle thickness of quadriceps with ultrasound

Official Title
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Effect of Low Intensity Blood Flow Restriction Training on Lower Extremity Strength and Hypertrophy

Conditions
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Muscle Mass

Intervention / Treatment
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* Device: Blood flow restriction cuff
* Device: Blood Flow restriction Cuff-Placebo


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Age 18-49 Exclusion Criteria: Pregnant Hypertensive Recent back or lower extremity injury History of blood clotting Varicose veins Adults lacking the capacity to consent for themselves

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 49 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
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Blood flow restriction cuff<br>This group will receive an active cuff that partially restricts blood flow to the experimental limb. | Device: Blood flow restriction cuff<br>* The intervention is the wearing of a cuff-like band around the affected limb, of which partially restricts blood flow to the limb.<br>|
| Placebo Comparator: Blood Flow restriction Cuff-Placebo<br>This group will wear a placebo cuff, of which will not restrict blood flow at all. | Device: Blood Flow restriction Cuff-Placebo<br>* The intervention is the wearing of a cuff-like band around the affected limb, of which partially restricts blood flow to the limb.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| One Repetition Maximum | One repetition maximum on the single leg press. Isometric quadriceps extension strength. | 6 weeks | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Quadriceps Muscle Thickness | Difference between groups in the measurement of the muscle thickness of the quadriceps muscle via ultrasound. | 6 weeks |