High-Load, Low-Load, and Passive Blood Flow Restriction in Competitive Sprinters
Comparative Effects of High-Load, Low-Load, and Passive Blood Flow Restriction Training on Strength and Sprint Performance in Competitive Sprinters
Riphah International University
18 participants
Dec 1, 2025
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
This randomized clinical trial will include competitive male and female sprinters aged 16-30 years, recruited through purposive sampling. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: (A) HL-BFR (70-85% 1RM with BFR during sets), (B) LL-BFR (20-30% 1RM with BFR), or (C) Passive BFR (BFR applied between sets). The intervention will consist of a 6-week sprint-specific resistance training program performed thrice weekly, incorporating resisted sprints, barbell step-ups, hip thrusts, Nordic curls, and bounding exercises. Strength will be measured using 1RM testing, explosive power through countermovement and standing broad jumps, and sprint performance via 10m, 30m, and 100m timed sprints. Subjective exertion will be tracked using the sRPE scale. The study aims to determine whether HL-BFR, LL-BFR, or passive BFR produces superior improvements in sprint performance and neuromuscular strength. It is hypothesized that HL-BFR may yield greater adaptations due to combined mechanical and metabolic stress, though LL-BFR and passive BFR may offer practical, low-impact alternatives.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria4
- Age between 16-30 years
- Competitive sprinters with at least 2 years of sprint-specific training
- Healthy individuals without cardiovascular, metabolic, musculoskeletal, or neurological disorders
- Willingness to participate in a 6-week training program
Exclusion Criteria6
- Pregnancy or lactation
- Cardiovascular, vascular, pulmonary, renal or metabolic disorders
- Uncontrolled hypertension
- Recent significant weight loss
- Use of performance-enhancing drugs within past 2 months
- Any medical condition preventing safe participation
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Interventions
In the High-Load BFR group, participants will perform resistance exercises at 70-85% of one-repetition maximum (1RM) with BFR applied during exercise sets.
In the Low-Load BFR group, participants will perform resistance exercises at 20-30% of one-repetition maximum (1RM) with BFR applied during exercise sets.
In the Passive BFR group, participants will perform resistance exercises at 70-85% of one-repetition maximum (1RM) with BFR applied only during rest intervals between sets.
Locations(1)
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NCT07438535