At a glance
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Acute Effects of Blood Flow Restriction Training on Balance and Proprioception: A Randomized Controlled Blinded StudyAcute BFR Training Effects on Balance and Proprioception
In Brief
A clinical study evaluating BFR, sham BFR, and 1 other intervention for Blood Flow Restriction. Completed, enrolled 74 participants across 1 site.
Detailed Summary
Blood Flow Restriction Training (BFR) is a technique applied using a cuff or tourniquet to restrict venous return while maintaining arterial blood flow during exercise. In recent years, BFR has gained increasing attention as an effective method to enhance muscle activity with low-intensity training. This study aims to evaluate the acute effects of BFR training on a relatively underexplored area-balance and proprioception-and to analyze these effects by comparing them with sham and control groups. The study is planned to include healthy individuals aged 18-35 years. Participants will be divided into three groups: BFR, sham, and control. Before and after the exercise protocol, all participants' demographic information and physical activity levels will be recorded. In the next phase, participants will undergo assessments of static and dynamic balance, knee and ankle proprioception measurements, and single-leg hop tests. After completing a single-session exercise protocol, all assessment tests will be repeated for each participant. The collected data will be compared across groups. The expected outcome of the study is that the BFR group, in which arterial occlusion will be applied, will show significant improvements in parameters related to balance and proprioception compared to the other groups. The novelty of this study lies in examining both the effects of BFR on balance and proprioception and their acute-level manifestations. Currently, studies investigating the effects of BFR on balance and proprioception are limited. Our study aims not only to contribute to the diversity of literature on balance exercise applications but also, if the acute effects of BFR are confirmed, to provide a new perspective on the application of this exercise method in physiotherapy, rehabilitation, and sports sciences.
Study Details
Timeline
Interventions
In this group, participants will have cuffs placed proximally on the limb to induce blood flow restriction, and individualized pressure will be applied. Participants will perform the prescribed exercises under blood flow restriction conditions. For the blood flow restriction application, an Occlusion Cuff device will be used. Following the warm-up protocol, cuffs will be placed bilaterally on the most proximal portion of the thigh in both the BFR and sham groups. The cuff tightness will be adjusted to allow the insertion of two fingers between the cuff and the skin at both the upper and lower edges. In the sham group, the cuffs will not be inflated to restrict blood flow, while in the BFR group, the pressure will be set at 80% of the individual's arterial occlusion pressure (AOP). AOP will be determined in the supine position using an Occlusion Cuff Doppler ultrasound device (8 MHz) applied to the posterior tibial artery.
Participants in the sham BFR group will wear cuffs placed proximally on both thighs. However, no pressure will be applied to restrict blood flow. The cuffs will remain in place throughout the exercise session to simulate the sensation of blood flow restriction without inducing actual occlusion. Participants will perform the same exercise protocol as the BFR group under these conditions.
All participants will perform the same exercise protocol. The protocol was designed based on studies in the literature examining the effects of proprioception training. The program consists of various balance and proprioceptive exercises performed on a BOSU balance platform. The purpose of the exercises is to improve participants' static and dynamic balance, stimulate the sensorimotor system, and enhance lower extremity stability. The exercise protocol includes the following sequence: participants will perform squats on the BOSU (10 repetitions), double-leg stance on the BOSU (60 seconds), double-leg ball toss and catch on the BOSU (60 seconds), single-leg stance on the BOSU (60 seconds), and single-leg ball toss and catch on the BOSU (60 seconds). This is followed by double-leg jumps on the BOSU (10 repetitions), single-leg jumps on the BOSU (10 repetitions), and double-leg jumps with 90° trunk rotation on the BOSU (10 repetitions). In the final part, participants will perform double