Effectiveness of Blood Flow Restriction Training Compared to Eccentric Training in Improving Muscle Shape and Preventing Knee and Ligament Injuries in Sports Players

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effects of different exercise training methods on muscle structure and the prevention of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome and Anterior Cruciate Ligament ACL injuries in sportsmen aged 15 to 35 who participate in level 1 sports such as martial arts, basketball, futsal, and soccer. This clinical trial compares low-load blood flow restriction training LL-BFRt, a sham version of LL-BFRt, and high-load eccentric training HL-Et to see which method better improves muscle morphology and reduces injury risk. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups LL-BFRt, sham LL-BFRt, or HL-Et. The LL-BFRt group will perform eccentric exercises like stairs, single leg squats, and single leg deadlifts at 30% of their maximum repetition and with 70% arterial occlusion pressure applied by cuffs. The sham LL-BFRt group will do the same exercises at 30% maximum repetition but with only 10% arterial occlusion pressure. The HL-Et group will perform the exercises at 70% maximum repetition without blood flow restriction. Both treatments are guided by a physical therapist. Throughout the study, researchers will measure muscle cross-sectional area, fiber angle of the vastus medial obliques, and patella position after 8 weeks. They will also monitor the incidence of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome and ACL injuries over one year. Participants are expected to maintain their assigned exercise regimen and provide informed consent. The study aims to understand which training method offers better muscle improvements and injury prevention in active sports participants.

BFR Training on Muscle Morphology