High-Load Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Training May Decrease Anaerobic Fatigue in Distance Runners

This study investigates the effects of high-load BFR training on anaerobic performance and fatigue resistance in distance runners. To determine whether adding BFR to isokinetic resistance training improves anaerobic performance and 5-10 km running times in runners. Forty-two runners were randomized into BFR (n=21) and control (n=21) groups. Both groups followed an identical 8-week isokinetic training protocol twice weekly. The BFR group performed exercises with arterial occlusion pressure set to 80% of the measured occlusion pressure. Anaerobic performance was assessed via the Wingate test, and 5 km and 10 km running times were recorded before and after the intervention. Statistical analyses compared pre- and post-training performance within and between groups.

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Key information

Conditions

Anaerobic Performance

Age range

22 year–35 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Hüseyin Günaydın, Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Blood flow restriction (BFR) training is increasingly used to enhance athletic performance, but its effects on anaerobic fatigue in distance runners remain unclear. This study investigates the effects of high-load BFR training on anaerobic performance and fatigue resistance in distance runners.To determine whether adding BFR to isokinetic resistance training improves anaerobic performance and 5-10 km running times in runners.

Forty-two runners were randomized into BFR (n=21) and control (n=21) groups. Both groups followed an identical 8-week isokinetic training protocol twice weekly. The BFR group performed exercises with arterial occlusion pressure set to 80% of the measured occlusion pressure. Anaerobic performance was assessed via the Wingate test, and 5 km and 10 km running times were recorded before and after the intervention. Statistical analyses compared pre- and post-training performance within and between groups.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

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

Inclusion criteria

The absence of cardiovascular or musculoskeletal conditions,
No recent resistance training,
Running more than 20 kilometers per week.

Exclusion criteria

Having a cardiovascular or musculoskeletal condition,
Having done recent resistance training,
Running less than 20 kilometers per week.

Treatment and study plan

Blood flow restriction (BFR) training

Device

Both groups followed an identical 8-week isokinetic training protocol twice weekly. The BFR group performed exercises with arterial occlusion pressure set to 80% of the measured occlusion pressure.

Other names: Isokinetic training

Isokinetic training

Device

Both groups followed an identical 8-week isokinetic training protocol twice weekly.

Primary outcomes

The effects of an isokinetic training program combined with blood flow restriction (BFR) on anaerobic performance and fatigue resistance in long-distance runners were investigated.

Time frame: baseline and week 8

Lower extremity Wingate Test (WanT) was used to evaluate the anaerobic capacities of long-distance runners. In calculating the fatigue index; (peak power - minimum power/peak power) x 100 (% fatigue index) formula was used.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Gulhane Training and Research Hospital

Other Gov

Registry information

Official study title

High-Load Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Training May Decrease Anaerobic Fatigue in Distance Runners: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Acronym: BFR-Training

Important dates

Study start: 2022
Primary completion: 2023
Study completion: 2024
First posted: Feb 12, 2025
Registry last updated: Feb 12, 2025

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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Completed