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Blood Flow Restriction Training for Rowers with Back Pain

This study is looking at two different training methods for rowers aged 13-20 who have mild or recurring low back pain. Researchers want to see if "blood flow restriction training" (using a special tourniquet on your thighs during light exercises) is as effective as traditional "heavy load resistance training" (lifting heavier weights) for improving performance and preventing re-injury. The study will measure changes in hamstring and quadriceps muscle fatigue after 10 weeks to see which method works best. They are looking to enroll 120 participants.

Study design
This is an interventional study that will enroll 120 participants. Rowers will be randomly assigned to either the light-load blood flow restriction training group or the heavy load training group.
What's involved
You would complete an online survey, a 2000-meter indoor rowing test, and strength tests. You would then participate in either blood flow restriction training or heavy load resistance training sessions.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Muscle fatigue will be assessed at the beginning of the study and again after 10 weeks.

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NCT07130812

Blood Flow Restriction Training as a Targeted Intervention for Rowers With Back Pain.

Recruiting
NAAges 13–20Interventional
Loma Linda University
~120 participants
Updated 2026-05-18 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:blood flow restrictionHeavy load resistance training

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Hamstring and quadricep muscular fatigue assessment via Noraxon Electromyography
Measured over change between baseline and 10 weeks

Conditions

Low Back Pain

Explore related trials

Lower Back Pain

Where it's being run

1 sites across 1 states
California1

Study leadership

  • Everett Lohman, Dsc · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Loma Linda University

Who to contact

Everett Lohman, DSc
[email protected]
(909) 558-1000 · ext. 83171
Email the study team

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Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Aged 13-20 years old
Currently active rower (training ≥3 days/week or 12 hours/week)
Mild LBP with a low reactivity (\<3/10) or recurring LBP within the past 18 months that has affected attendance to team practices/races.
Able to complete a 2,000-meter rowing erg test

Exclusion

Have severe or acute back pain that limits basic movement or requires medical treatment
History of spinal surgery or structural spine conditions (scoliosis requiring bracing/surgery)
Have a contraindication to BFR training, identified via BFR safety screening form:
Peripheral vascular disease (PVD)
History of vascular surgery in arms or legs
Skin grafts on arms or legs
Arteriovenous fistula in limbs
Cognitive or physical impairment that limits participation
Hypertension or high blood pressure (uncontrolled or undiagnosed)
Bleeding disorders (e.g., hemophilia)
Blood clotting disorders (e.g., lupus, factor-V Leiden)
Past history of DVT or pulmonary embolism (PE)
Surgery in the past 12 weeks
Recent limb immobilization (e.g., cast, boot) in the last 4 weeks
History of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA)
History of cancer
Diagnosed heart disease
History of rhabdomyolysis
Diagnosed diabetes
Sickle cell disease
History of compartment syndrome
History of nerve damage or injury
Any prior complications or adverse reactions to BFR training
Any other medical conditions that should be cleared by a physician before starting BFR
Pregnancy(Self-reported)

What this trial measures

  • Hamstring and quadricep muscular fatigue assessment via Noraxon Electromyographychange between baseline and 10 weeks