Blood Flow Restriction Training for The Shoulder

The Methodist Hospital Research Institute (TMHRI)

Status: Completed

Conditions: Healthy

Treatments: Device: Blood flow restriction therapy

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT04540367

Pro00017362

Details and patient eligibility

About

The aim of this study is to determine if BFR-LIX promotes greater increases in shoulder lean mass, rotator cuff strength, endurance, and acute increases in shoulder muscle activation compared to LIX alone.

Full description

Healthy Volunteers: Thirty-two healthy adults were randomized into two groups (BFRm=13,f=3, NoBFRm=10,f=6) that performed 8wks of shoulder LIX [2/wk, 4 sets (30/15/15/fatigue), 20%max] using common rotator cuff exercises [cable external rotation (ER), cable internal rotation (IR), dumbbell scaption (SCAP), and side-lying dumbbell ER (SLER)]. The BFR group also trained with an automated tourniquet placed at the proximal arm (50%-occlusion). Regional lean mass (dual-energy-xray-absorptiometry), isometric strength, and muscular endurance (repetitions-to-fatigue, RTF, 20%max, with and without 50%-occlusion) was measured before and after training. Electromyographic amplitude (EMGa) was also recorded from target shoulder muscles during endurance testing. A mixed-model ANCOVA (covaried on baseline measures) was used to detect within and between-group differences in primary outcome measures (α=0.05).

Pitchers: Twenty-eight collegiate baseball pitchers were randomized into 2 groups (BFRN=15, NOBFRN=13) that, in conjunction with offseason training, performed 8wks of shoulder LIX [Throwing arm only; 2/wk, 4 sets (30/15/15/fatigue), 20%isometric max] using 4 exercises [cable external and internal rotation (ER/IR), dumbbell scaption, and side-lying dumbbell ER]. The BFR group also trained with an automated tourniquet on the proximal arm (50%-occlusion). Regional lean mass (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry), rotator cuff strength (dynamometry: IR0&90, ° ER0&90, ° Scaption, Flexion), and fastball biomechanics were assessed pre- and post-training. Achievable workload (sets × reps × resistance) was also recorded. An ANCOVA (covaried on baseline measures) repeated on training timepoint was used to detect within-group and between-group differences in outcome measures (α=0.05). For significant pairwise comparisons, effect size (ES) was calculated using a Cohen's d statistic and interpreted as: 0-0.1, negligible(N); 0.1-0.3, small(S); 0.3-0.5, moderate(M); 0.5-0.7, large(L); >0.7, very large(VL).

Enrollment: 69 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 65 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Healthy, untrained volunteers

Exclusion criteria

1. Previous history of shoulder injury occurring in the laterality of choice
2. Current painful dysfunction resulting in exercise limitation
3. Any health-related exercise limitation as ordered by physician
4. Vascular compromise or previous vascular surgery
5. Ages outside of 18-65
6. Inability to access clinic and equipment
7. Currently involved in structured strength training regimen of the upper extremity

Trial design

Primary purpose: Basic Science

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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69 participants in 2 patient groups

No Intervention: Control

No Intervention group

Description:

Participants in this group performed the exercises without the blood flow restriction therapy cuff

Experimental: BFR

Experimental group

Description:

Participants in this group performed the exercises with the blood flow restriction therapy cuff

Treatment:

Device: Blood flow restriction therapy