Auto-regulated Blood Flow Restriction in Athletes With Recurrent Ankle Sprain

Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University

Status: Completed

Conditions: Ankle Sprain; Ankle Instability

Treatments: Other: Auto-regulated Blood Flow Restriction Training; Other: Non-regulated Blood Flow Restriction Training; Other: Control group

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06962943

REC-23-08-28-02-PG

University of Sharjah (Other Identifier)

Details and patient eligibility

About

Ankle injuries, especially lateral ankle sprains, are prevalent in physically active individuals. Blood Flow Restriction Training (BFRT) has emerged as a promising method, employing partial arterial occlusion and full venous occlusion with low resistance to induce metabolic stress and achieve outcomes akin to heavy resistance training. This Randomized Controlled study explores the application of BFRT in addressing Chronic Ankle Instability (CAI), focusing on its efficacy in strength gains of extrinsic foot muscles, and potential benefits in functional performance.

Full description

Ankle injuries, especially lateral ankle sprains, are prevalent in physically active individuals. Blood Flow Restriction Training (BFRT) has emerged as a promising method, employing partial arterial occlusion and full venous occlusion with low resistance to induce metabolic stress and achieve outcomes akin to heavy resistance training.

This Randomized Controlled study explores the application of BFRT in addressing Chronic Ankle Instability (CAI), focusing on its efficacy in strength gains of extrinsic foot muscles, and potential benefits in functional performance.

At the Sharjah University Medical Campus, 45 athletes from Shabab Al Ahli Club, aged 18-40, participated in this randomized control study. We randomly allocated the participants into three equal groups, with 15 individuals in each group. We recruited the first group to an auto-regulated blood flow restriction training plus traditional treatment program (ARBFRT+TT), the second group to a non-regulated blood flow restriction training plus traditional treatment program (NRBFRT+TT), and the third group to a traditional treatment program only without BFRT (TT group). We assessed extrinsic foot muscle strength using an isokinetic device and functional performance using Functional Ankle Disability Index (FADI) and Rate of perceived exertion scale (RPES), both pre- and post 6-week treatment.

Enrollment: 45 patients

Sex: Male

Ages: 18 to 40 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Age ranges from 18 to 40 years.
• No other health related conditions such as diabetes or hypertension.
• Unilateral or bilateral CIA.
• Male Athletes.

Exclusion criteria

• Knee or hip injury within the last 3 months.
• Previous ankle surgery.
• Any contraindication for BFRT application such as venous insufficiency, arterial insufficiency, history of DVT.
• Spinal lesion affecting lower limb function.
• Females

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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45 participants in 3 patient groups, including a placebo group

Auto-regulated blood flow restriction training (ARBFRT+TT)

Experimental group

Description:

This group was recruited to conduct auto-regulated blood flow restriction exercise for 30-min, three times a week for six weeks by a trained physiotherapist.

Treatment:

Other: Auto-regulated Blood Flow Restriction Training

Non-regulated blood flow restriction training (NRBFRT+TT)

Active Comparator group

Description:

This group was recruited to conduct non-regulated blood flow restriction exercise for 30-min, three times a week for six weeks by a trained physiotherapist.

Treatment:

Other: Non-regulated Blood Flow Restriction Training

Control group

Placebo Comparator group

Description:

The control group was recruited to conduct no blood flow restriction exercise (Cuff with 0 pressure) 30-min, three times a week for 6 weeks.

Treatment:

Other: Control group