Local, distal, proximal, and contralateral effects of low-load blood flow restriction training on upper extremity neuromuscular performance of healthy women: randomized placebo-controlled trial protocol

Abstract BackgroundLow-load blood flow restriction (BFR) training may induce positive neuromuscular adaptations, but proximal BFR effects are unclear. This study aims to investigate chronic effects of low-load resistance training (LLRT) with BFR on upper extremity neuromuscular performance of healthy women.MethodsThis protocol for clinical trial will include 78 volunteers randomized into three groups of 26 participants: LLRT (LLRT without BFR); LLRT + placebo blood flow restriction (20% BFR); and LLRT + 60% BFR. All groups will perform four sets of 15 repetitions at 20% of one-repetition maximum for each of the following muscles: serratus anterior, lateral shoulder rotators, and lower trapezius. Participants will be assessed before protocol, after completing eight weeks of protocol, and after a four-week follow-up. Primary outcome will be muscle strength, and secondary outcomes will be muscle excitation, perimetry, pain, subjective perceived exertion, affective valence with exercise, and power of upper extremity muscles.DiscussionExercises are often used to prevent and treat upper limb disorders. However, only two studies analyzed the effects of these exercises associated with BFR. Therefore, this protocol aims to fill the gaps in these studies and propose more reliable results on the subject.Trial registration: EnsaiosClinicos.gov.br (Identifier: RBR-3pd52f).