Skip to main content
OpenTrials
Recruiting

NCT Number: NCT06815367

Pneumatic Compression vs Blood Flow Restriction for Muscle Recovery

Both BFR and intermittent pneumatic compression are purported to decrease symptoms associated with exercise induced muscle damage (EIMD) that cause delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Blood flow restriction relies on applying pressurized cuffs to the most proximal portion of the limb. Another form of recovery often relied upon is pneumatic compression. The mechanism by which pneumatic compression works is similar to that of a massage, whereby the device progressively increases the pressure on a portion of the limb before releasing and moving further up the limb.The purpose of this study is determine whether BFR or pneumatic compression can be used to decreased DOMS which may indicate enhanced recovery.

Recruiting

Interested in participating?

Request Info

Key information

Conditions

Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness

Age range

18 year–30 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, California, 90033, United States

Location status: Recruiting

Location contact

Bailey McLagan

CONTACT

323-442-2498

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

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

Inclusion criteria

  • 18-30 years of age
  • Recreationally active population
  • Women should be on a form of hormonal contraception.
  • No current musculoskeletal injuries or pathologies
  • Must answer "yes" to all PAR-Q questions.

Exclusion criteria

  • Individuals that routinely train trail running
  • Discomfort when running
  • Deep vein thrombosis
  • Blood clots
  • Cancerous lesions
  • Sensory or mental impairment
  • Unstable fractures
  • Acute pulmonary edema
  • Acute thrombophlebitis
  • Acute congestive cardiac failure
  • Acute infections
  • Episodes of pulmonary embolism
  • Wounds, lesions, infection, or tumors
  • Bone fractures or dislocations
  • Increased venous and lymphatic return
  • Answers "no" to any of the PAR-Q screening questions

Treatment and study plan

Pneumatic compression

Device

Following downhill running protocol, participants will complete 20 minutes of pneumatic compression at 100 mmHg.

Blood Flow Restriction

Device

Following the downhill running protocol, participants will complete 4 rounds of treatment: 3 minutes at 100% resting limb occlusion pressure, 2 minutes of 0% resting limb occlusion pressure.

Primary outcomes

  1. Counter Movement Jump Height

    Time frame: Immediately before and immediately after exercise, immediately after treatment, 24-hours post treatment.

    Participants will be asked to complete three consecutive counter movement jumps with hands on hips. The CMJ will be used as an indirect measure of muscle function.

  2. Maximal Voluntary Isometric Contraction

    Time frame: Immediately before and immediately after exercise, immediately after treatment, 24-hours post treatment.

    Participants will be asked to complete an MVIC to assess muscle function.

  3. Sedentary delayed onset muscle soreness

    Time frame: Immediately before and immediately after exercise, immediately after treatment, 24-hours post treatment.

    Using a visual analog scale, participants will be asked to rate their level of soreness while at rest.

  4. Active delayed onset muscle soreness

    Time frame: Using a visual analog scale, participants will be asked to rate their level of soreness while at rest.

    Using a visual analog scale, participants will be asked to rate their level of soreness while completing a wall sit.

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Bailey McLagan, MS

CONTACT

[email protected]

323-442-2498

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Southern California

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Comparing the Effects of Pneumatic Compression and Blood Flow Restriction Therapy on Muscle Recovery

Important dates

Study start
2024
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2026
First posted
Feb 7, 2025
Registry last updated
Mar 30, 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.

Related clinical trials

Published trials that share one or more normalized conditions with this study.