Bayesian Comparison of Low-Load Blood Flow Restriction and High-Load Resistance Exercise on Biceps Brachii Muscle Hypertrophy in Untrained Men
Overview
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Status
- Completed
- Sponsor
- Mehmet Akif Ersoy University
- Enrollment
- 33
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Biceps Brachii Muscle Thickness
Overview
Brief Summary
This study aimed to compare the effects of low-load blood flow restriction resistance exercise (BFR-RE) performed to voluntary failure with traditional high-load resistance exercise (HL-RE) and a control condition on biceps brachii muscle hypertrophy, muscle stiffness, and maximal strength in untrained young men.
Participants completed an 8-week training program, with exercise performed three times per week. Outcomes were assessed using ultrasound imaging, elastography, and one-repetition maximum (1RM) testing. The study evaluates whether low-load BFR training can produce adaptations comparable to high-load resistance training.
Detailed Description
This study was designed to investigate the effects of low-load blood flow restriction resistance exercise (BFR-RE) compared with traditional high-load resistance exercise (HL-RE) and a non-exercising control condition on muscle hypertrophy, mechanical properties, and strength in untrained young men.
The study employed a controlled, single-blind, repeated-measures design. A total of 33 male participants with no prior resistance training experience were allocated into three groups: BFR-RE, HL-RE, and control. The intervention lasted for 8 weeks, with training sessions performed three times per week on non-consecutive days.
Participants in the BFR-RE group performed biceps preacher curl exercises at 30% of one-repetition maximum (1RM) with 60% limb occlusion pressure and continued each set until voluntary failure. The HL-RE group performed the same exercise at 70% 1RM without blood flow restriction. The control group did not participate in any structured resistance training program.
Primary and secondary outcomes included muscle thickness, muscle stiffness, subcutaneous fat thickness, arm circumference, and maximal strength. Muscle thickness and subcutaneous fat were assessed using ultrasound imaging, while muscle stiffness was evaluated using elastography. Strength was measured using the 1RM test. Measurements were conducted at baseline and repeated after the intervention, with an additional follow-up assessment performed one week after the intervention to minimize the influence of acute swelling effects.
The study was conducted at the Faculty of Sport Sciences at Karabük University, and imaging assessments were performed at Karabük Training and Research Hospital. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ordu University Non-Interventional Sports Sciences Research Ethics Committee (Decision No: 2025-29, dated 28/05/2025) , and all participants provided written informed consent prior to participation.
The findings of this study aim to determine whether low-load BFR-RE performed to failure can serve as an effective and practical alternative to high-load resistance training for inducing muscle hypertrophy and strength adaptations in untrained individuals.
Study Design
- Study Type
- Interventional
- Allocation
- Non Randomized
- Intervention Model
- Parallel
- Primary Purpose
- Treatment
- Masking
- Single (Outcomes Assessor)
Masking Description
This study employed a single-blind design in which outcome assessors were blinded to group assignment while participants care providers and investigators were not blinded due to the nature of the exercise intervention.
Eligibility Criteria
- Ages
- 18 Years to 30 Years (Adult)
- Sex
- Male
- Accepts Healthy Volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria
- •The following criteria were used for inclusion in the study: (i) participants had no prior history of organized or specialized resistance training targeting the biceps brachii muscle, (ii) they had no orthopedic conditions or hypertension (\>140/90 mmHg) that could negatively impact upper extremity exercises; (iii) being right-handed to minimize confounding factors.
Exclusion Criteria
- Not provided
Arms & Interventions
BFR-RE
Participants performed low-load resistance exercise with blood flow restriction using 30% of one-repetition maximum (1RM) and 60% limb occlusion pressure. Exercises were performed to voluntary failure, three times per week for 8 weeks.
Intervention: Blood Flow Restriction Resistance Exercise (Other)
HL-RE
Participants performed traditional high-load resistance exercise at 70% of one-repetition maximum (1RM) without blood flow restriction, three times per week for 8 weeks.
Intervention: High-Load Resistance Exercise (Other)
Control
Participants did not engage in any structured resistance training program and continued their normal daily activities throughout the 8-week study period.
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Biceps Brachii Muscle Thickness
Time Frame: Baseline and 8 weeks (post-intervention), with an additional follow-up measurement at 1 week after the intervention
Muscle thickness of the biceps brachii was assessed using ultrasound imaging to evaluate hypertrophic adaptations following the intervention.
Secondary Outcomes
No secondary outcomes reported
Investigators
Huseyin Sahin UYSAL
Assistant Professor
Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University