Effects of Blood Flow Restriction Sit-to-Stand Exercises on Lumbar Extensor Muscle Endurance, Balance, and Physiological Parameters in Healthy Young Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Trial Snapshot
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Status
- Not yet recruiting
- Sponsor
- Enrollment
- 70
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Lumbar Extensor Muscle Endurance
Study Overview
Brief Summary
This study aims to examine the effects of blood flow restriction (BFR) exercises on back muscle endurance and balance in healthy young adults. BFR is a training method that involves applying controlled pressure to the limbs with a cuff while performing simple exercises. It has been shown to improve muscle strength and endurance even at low exercise loads, reducing stress on the joints.
In this study, participants aged 20 to 25 years will be randomly assigned to two groups. One group will perform sit-to-stand (STS) exercises combined with BFR, while the other group will perform the same exercises without BFR. The exercise program will last 6 weeks, with 2 sessions per week.
Before and after the program, participants will be assessed for:
Lumbar extensor muscle endurance (using the Biering-Sørensen test)
Balance performance (using a computerized balance platform)
Physiological responses such as oxygen saturation, heart rate, and blood pressure
The purpose of this research is to determine whether BFR exercises improve spinal muscle endurance and balance more effectively than standard sit-to-stand exercises. The results may provide new insights into the use of BFR training as a safe and practical strategy for improving posture, preventing back problems, and enhancing physical performance in young adults.
Detailed Description
Detailed Description:
Low back muscle endurance and postural balance are essential components of physical health, functional capacity, and injury prevention. Weakness or fatigue in lumbar extensor muscles is associated with spinal instability, poor posture, and an increased risk of low back pain. Similarly, reduced balance control may impair daily activities and athletic performance. Sedentary lifestyles and prolonged sitting are known to negatively affect these functions in young adults.
Blood flow restriction (BFR) training is an innovative exercise method in which a cuff is applied to partially restrict blood flow in the exercising limb during low-load resistance or functional exercises. This technique has been shown to enhance muscle strength, hypertrophy, and endurance with relatively low mechanical stress, thereby reducing the potential risks associated with high-intensity training. While BFR has been studied extensively in the context of lower-limb strength training, its effects on spinal musculature and balance performance are not well understood.
The present randomized controlled trial is designed to investigate the effects of BFR applied during sit-to-stand (STS) exercises on lumbar extensor muscle endurance and balance performance in healthy young adults. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups:
BFR Exercise Group: STS exercises performed with BFR applied to the thigh.
Study Design
- Study Type
- Interventional
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Intervention Model
- Parallel
- Primary Purpose
- Basic Science
- Masking
- Single (Outcomes Assessor)
Masking Description
Outcome assessors will be blinded to group allocation. Participants and care providers cannot be blinded due to the nature of the intervention (blood flow restriction vs. no restriction). Randomization will be concealed until outcome data collection is completed.
Eligibility Criteria
- Ages
- 20 Years to 25 Years (Adult)
- Sex
- All
- Accepts Healthy Volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria
- •Age between 20 and 25 years
- •Healthy, without musculoskeletal disorders
- •No chronic neurological or systemic disease
- •No regular exercise program in the last 3 months
- •Voluntary participation with signed informed consent
Exclusion Criteria
- •History of musculoskeletal disease, injury, or chronic low back pain
- •Neurological conditions or regular use of medications affecting balance or cardiovascular function
- •Pregnancy
- •Participation in regular lumbar or core exercise programs within the last 3 months
- •Any symptoms during exercise (e.g., excessive fatigue, dizziness, abnormal blood pressure changes) that may pose health risks
- •Withdrawal of consent or inability to comply with study protocol
Arms & Interventions
Blood Flow Restriction Exercise Group
Participants in this arm will perform sit-to-stand exercises combined with blood flow restriction (BFR) using a pneumatic cuff applied to the thigh. The cuff pressure will be set to 60-80% of the participant's systolic blood pressure. The program will be conducted for 6 weeks, with 2 sessions per week, supervised by a physiotherapist.
Intervention: Blood Flow Restriction Sit-to-Stand Exercise (Behavioral)
Control Exercise Group
Participants in this arm will perform the same sit-to-stand exercise protocol as the experimental group, but without blood flow restriction. Sessions will also be supervised twice weekly for 6 weeks, and assessments will be performed before and after the intervention.
Intervention: Sit-to-Stand Exercise without Blood Flow Restriction (Behavioral)
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Lumbar Extensor Muscle Endurance
Time Frame: Baseline and after 6 weeks of intervention
Endurance of the lumbar extensor muscles will be assessed using the Biering-Sørensen Test. Participants maintain the upper body in a horizontal position while lying prone with the pelvis stabilized. The test duration (in seconds) until trunk decline \>5-10° will be recorded.
Postural Balance Performance
Time Frame: Baseline and after 6 weeks of intervention
Balance performance will be evaluated using a computerized balance platform (TechnoBody™ Pro-Kin). Both static and dynamic balance parameters will be recorded. Outcome measures include sway area (cm²), sway velocity (cm/s), and postural stability index.
Secondary Outcomes
- Change in Oxygen Saturation(Baseline and immediately after exercise sessions (pre- and post-intervention at 6 weeks))
- Change in Blood Pressure(Baseline and immediately after exercise sessions (pre- and post-intervention at 6 weeks))
- Change in Body Mass Index (BMI)(Baseline and after 6 weeks of intervention)
Investigators
Mehmet Akif Guler
PhD, PT
Selcuk University