RecruitingNot Applicable

Pneumatic Compression vs Blood Flow Restriction for Muscle Recovery

United States33 participantsStarted 2024-01-15

Plain-language 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.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 30 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

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

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Counter Movement Jump Height

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

Maximal Voluntary Isometric Contraction

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

Sedentary delayed onset muscle soreness

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

Active delayed onset muscle soreness

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

Trial details

NCT IDNCT06815367

SponsorUniversity of Southern California

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2025-12-01

Contact for this trial

Bailey McLagan, MS

323-442-2498 mclagan@usc.edu

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness trials

Plain-language summary

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 30 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

What they're measuring

Counter Movement Jump Height

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

Maximal Voluntary Isometric Contraction

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

Sedentary delayed onset muscle soreness

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

Active delayed onset muscle soreness

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