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NCT Number: NCT07710859

Concentric vs Eccentric Exercise in Blood Flow Restriction Training

This randomized controlled trial will investigate the effects of blood flow restriction (BFR) training combined with concentric or eccentric exercise on upper extremity reaction speed, muscle strength, and muscle oxygenation in healthy adults aged 18-35 years. A total of 34 participants will be randomly allocated to either a BFR combined with concentric exercise group (n=17) or a BFR combined with eccentric exercise group (n=17).

Before the intervention, maximal muscle strength will be determined using a one-repetition maximum (1RM) test for the dominant elbow flexor muscles. Upper extremity reaction speed will be assessed using the Nelson Hand Reaction Test. Biceps brachii muscle strength will be measured with a digital dynamometer, and muscle oxygenation will be evaluated using a near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) device. All outcome measures will be obtained 72 hours before the intervention and repeated 72 hours after completion of the training program by the same investigator.

The findings of this study will contribute to understanding whether concentric or eccentric exercise combined with BFR training provides greater improvements in upper extremity reaction speed, muscle strength, and muscle oxygenation in healthy individuals.

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Key information

Conditions

Exercise Behavior Motor Activity

Age range

18 year–35 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Karabuk university

Karabük, Karabük Province, 78050, Turkey (Türkiye)

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Being between 18 and 35 years of age
  • Physically inactive or minimally active individuals (International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form. IPAQ-CF, <3000 MET-min/week)

Exclusion criteria

  • Having a history of musculoskeletal surgery within the last 6 months
  • Individuals with a history of orthopedic surgery within the last 6 months
  • Having high systolic blood pressure (≥140 mmHg)
  • Having a current history of cardiovascular disease
  • Participants who did not volunteer to participate in the study and did not provide informed consent were excluded from the study.

Treatment and study plan

concentric group

Other

Participants assigned to this group will perform blood flow restriction (BFR) training combined with concentric elbow flexion exercises using the dominant upper extremity. Training will be performed three times per week for four weeks (12 sessions). Exercises will be performed at 20-30% of one-repetition maximum (1RM) using a pneumatic cuff applied to the proximal upper arm. The cuff pressure will be set at 50% of the individual's arterial occlusion pressure. Each session will consist of four sets (30-15-15-15 repetitions) with 30-second rest intervals between sets.

eccentric group

Other

Participants assigned to this group will perform blood flow restriction (BFR) training combined with eccentric elbow flexion exercises using the dominant upper extremity. Training will be performed three times per week for four weeks (12 sessions). Exercises will be performed at 20-30% of one-repetition maximum (1RM) using a pneumatic cuff applied to the proximal upper arm. The cuff pressure will be set at 50% of the individual's arterial occlusion pressure. Each session will consist of four sets (30-15-15-15 repetitions) with 30-second rest intervals between sets.

Primary outcomes

  1. Upper Extremity Reaction Time

    Time frame: Baseline (72 hours before the intervention) and 72 hours after completion of the 4-week intervention.

    Upper extremity reaction time will be assessed using the Nelson Hand Reaction Test. Participants will complete five trials, the highest and lowest values will be discarded, and the mean of the remaining three trials will be used for analysis. Reaction time will be calculated from the ruler drop distance using the standard equation.

  2. Biceps Brachii Muscle Strength

    Time frame: Baseline (72 hours before the intervention) and 72 hours after completion of the 4-week intervention.

    Biceps brachii muscle strength will be measured using an ActivForce 2 digital dynamometer. Three maximal isometric contractions will be performed with 30-second rest intervals, and the highest value will be used for analysis.

  3. Hand Grip Strength

    Time frame: Baseline (72 hours before the intervention) and 72 hours after completion of the 4-week intervention.

    Hand grip strength will be measured using a hydraulic hand dynamometer. Participants will perform three maximal contractions with 30-second rest intervals, and the highest value will be recorded for analysis.

  4. Pinch Strength

    Time frame: Baseline (72 hours before the intervention) and 72 hours after completion of the 4-week intervention.

    Pinch strength will be assessed using a pinch dynamometer. Three maximal trials will be performed with 30-second rest intervals, and the highest value will be used for analysis.

  5. One-Repetition Maximum

    Time frame: Baseline (72 hours before the intervention) and 72 hours after completion of the 4-week intervention.

    Maximum muscle strength of the elbow flexors will be estimated using the Epley equation based on the maximum number of repetitions completed with a fixed load (2 kg for females and 5 kg for males).

  6. Muscle Oxygen Saturation

    Time frame: Baseline (72 hours before the intervention) and 72 hours after completion of the 4-week intervention.

    Muscle oxygen saturation (SmO₂) of the biceps brachii will be measured using a MOXY near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) device. Baseline SmO₂ will be recorded before the 1RM test, continuous SmO₂ values will be monitored throughout the test, and recovery values will be recorded for 2-3 minutes after the test.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Karabuk University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Concentric and Eccentric Exercises in Blood Flow Restriction Training

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Jul 17, 2026
Registry last updated
Jul 17, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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