RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Is Low-load Resistance Training With Blood Flow Restriction Feasible During Rehabilitation of Military Personnel With Lower Limb Injuries? Phase One RCT.

This research explores a new approach to help military personnel recover from lower leg injuries, especially when pain makes progress difficult. The study investigates a technique called Blood Flow Restriction (BFR), where a special cuff is used during low-intensity exercise. The goal is to see if BFR can reduce pain and speed up recovery. Researchers want to find the most effective and practical way to use BFR for this group of patients. Ultimately, the findings could lead to better pain management strategies and rehabilitation techniques, not just for the military but also for civilians and professional athletes, helping more people get back to an active life.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre, UK

Enrolment target

Start

28 Oct 2024

Estimated completion

30 Jun 2026

Pain Persistent Pain Musculoskeletal Pain

What is this study about?

This study is looking into a new way to help military personnel who are experiencing ongoing pain from lower leg injuries. When pain is a major problem, it can really slow down recovery and make it hard to get back to normal activities. This research focuses on whether a technique called Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) can help. BFR involves wearing a special cuff, similar to a blood pressure cuff, on the limb while doing gentle exercises. The idea is that restricting blood flow slightly during exercise might help reduce pain and encourage the body to heal.

The study has two main goals. First, it aims to figure out the best way to use BFR in terms of how tight the cuff should be and what exercises work best to reduce pain. Second, once the best method is identified, the researchers want to see how effective it is at reducing pain and improving overall recovery for military patients. They also want to understand how BFR works inside the body to achieve these benefits.

The hope is that the results from this study will directly help improve pain management and rehabilitation practices. This could be very important for military personnel, allowing them to recover more quickly and return to their duties. The findings could also be valuable for a wider audience, including people in civilian life with similar injuries and professional athletes, offering new strategies to deal with pain and get back to their best.

Key takeaways

This study explores a new method (Blood Flow Restriction) to help military personnel with lower leg pain.
It aims to find the most effective and safe way to use this technique during rehabilitation.
The goal is to reduce pain, improve recovery, and get people back to active duty sooner.
Results could benefit both military and civilian patients with similar injuries.
Participation involves integrating into your existing residential rehabilitation programme.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be a serving member of the UK military, aged between 18 and 55. You must have a lower leg injury on one side of your body where pain is the main issue preventing your recovery, and this must have been diagnosed by a specialist medical team. You also need to be scheduled to attend a three-week rehabilitation course at DMRC Stanford Hall.

There are certain conditions that would mean you couldn't take part. These include having any medical conditions that make BFR unsafe, such as a history of heart problems, severe arthritis, or certain nerve conditions. You also couldn't join if you have a non-muscle or bone-related serious illness, or if your pain isn't coming from the specific injury in your leg.

In addition, you wouldn't be able to participate if you've recently had a steroid or pain-relieving injection in the affected area (within the last 7 days), or if you are currently pregnant. This is to ensure the safety and reliability of the study results for everyone involved.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you currently serving in the UK military?
Are you between 18 and 55 years old?
Do you have a lower leg injury on one side where pain is the main problem?
Are you scheduled to attend DMRC Stanford Hall for a 3-week rehabilitation course?
Do you have any heart problems, severe arthritis, or neurological conditions?
Have you had a steroid or pain-relief injection in the last 7 days to the affected area?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you would be assigned to either receive the Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) exercise along with standard rehabilitation, or standard rehabilitation alone. Both groups will continue with their usual care at the DMRC Stanford Hall residential course. You would attend regular exercise sessions as part of your rehabilitation programme, and the study would involve additional pain assessments and monitoring of your progress.

The researchers would ask you to provide feedback on your pain levels and how you are managing. Your participation would align with the duration of your three-week residential rehabilitation course at DMRC Stanford Hall. There are no additional visits beyond your scheduled rehabilitation attendance. All assessments and interventions would be integrated into your rehabilitation programme.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could potentially help you manage your pain better and improve your recovery from your lower leg injury. However, as with any study, there are potential risks, primarily related to the BFR technique itself, such as temporary discomfort or bruising where the cuff is applied, or very rarely, more serious issues in individuals with certain underlying health conditions (which are screened for extensively). You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care at all.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre, Stanford Hall
Verified postcode
Loughborough, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) exercise?

BFR exercise involves using a special cuff, like a blood pressure cuff, to gently restrict blood flow to your arm or leg while you do lighter exercises.

Will I have to do very intense exercise?

No, BFR is designed to be used with low-load (gentle) resistance exercises, so you won't need to lift heavy weights.

Will this study affect my standard rehabilitation plan?

No, your standard rehabilitation care will continue as planned. This study's interventions would be in addition to, or integrated with, your usual programme.

Is BFR safe?

Extensive safety checks are in place, and individuals with certain medical conditions that could make BFR unsafe are not eligible to participate.

What happens if I decide I don't want to continue?

You are free to leave the study at any point, and your medical care will not be affected.

How to find out more

Peter Ladlow, PhD

peter.ladlow100@mod.gov.uk +44 1509 251 500 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.