Pneumatic Compression vs Blood Flow Restriction for Muscle Recovery

NCT06815367 — Not applicable, Recruiting, 33 participants, University of Southern California

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

Registry	NCT06815367
Status	Recruiting
Phase	Not applicable
Study type	Interventional; randomized, parallel, masking: none, treatment
Enrollment	33 (Estimated)
Sponsor	University of Southern California (Other)
Conditions	Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness
Interventions	Pneumatic Compression, Blood Flow Restriction (Device)
Dates	start 2024-01-15, primary completion 2025-12-01, completion 2026-05-01 (estimated), first posted 2025-02-07, last updated 2026-03-30
Locations	1 site in United States

-Summary

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.

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+Arms and interventions

Arm	Type	Interventions	Description
Control	No intervention		The participants will be asked to refrain from exercise 24 hours prior to and following the exercise. Participants will complete all pre-exercise tests (DOMS, CMJ, MVIC). The exercise consists of running on a treadmill situated at a -10% grade at 9 km/hr (5.59 mph) for 20 minutes. This is proceeded and followed by 5 minute warm-up/cool-down periods. Those that are allocated to the "control" group, will not receive treatment after the downhill running protocol.
Pneumatic compression	Experimental	Device: Pneumatic Compression	The participants will be asked to refrain from exercise 24 hours prior to and following the exercise. Participants will complete all pre-exercise tests (DOMS, CMJ, MVIC). The exercise consists of running on a treadmill situated at a -10% grade at 9 km/hr (5.59 mph) for 20 minutes. This is proceeded and followed by 5 minute warm-up/cool-down periods. Those allocated to the "pneumatic compression" group will receive 20 minutes of pneumatic compression at 100 mmHg.
Blood flow restriction	Experimental	Device: Blood Flow Restriction	The participants will be asked to refrain from exercise 24 hours prior to and following the exercise. Participants will complete all pre-exercise tests (DOMS, CMJ, MVIC). The exercise consists of running on a treadmill situated at a -10% grade at 9 km/hr (5.59 mph) for 20 minutes. This is proceeded and followed by 5 minute warm-up/cool-down periods. Those allocated to the "BFR" group will receive 4 rounds of treatment: 3 minutes will be spent at 100% of resting limb occlusion pressure, followed by 2 minutes of 0% occlusion.

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.

+Outcome measures

Primary outcomes

Counter Movement Jump Height [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.
Maximal Voluntary Isometric Contraction [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.
Sedentary delayed onset muscle soreness [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.
Active delayed onset muscle soreness [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.

+Eligibility

Sex: All, ages: 18 Years to 30 Years, accepts healthy volunteers

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

+Locations (1)

Facility	City	Country	Status
University of Southern California	Los Angeles, California	United States	Recruiting