Comparison between practical and traditional blood flow restriction methods in upper limb resistance training: a study protocol for a randomized controlled clinical trial

Low-load resistance training with blood flow restriction (BFR) has been shown to be an effective method for improving muscle strength and promoting muscle hypertrophy. In an effort to make this technique more practical and accessible, the use of a latex band known as a floss band (FB) has emerged, capable of producing BFR and producing acute effects similar to those of traditional BFR (tBFR) training. This study aims to compare practical BFR (pBFR) using a FB with tBFR using a pneumatic cuff in terms of muscle outcomes (muscle strength and hypertrophy) and clinical outcomes (pain perception, discomfort, perceived exertion, and myotonometry). This parallel-group randomized controlled trial will include 22 participants randomly allocated to two groups: the tBFR group ( n = 11) and the pBFR group ( n = 11). Participants will perform an upper-limb resistance training protocol (biceps brachii) lasting 9 weeks, with two sessions per week. At baseline, muscle outcomes will be assessed using ultrasonography and the one-repetition maximum (1RM) strength test. An intermediate evaluation at week 6 will reassess the 1RM test, and the final evaluation will include both ultrasonography and the 1RM test. Throughout the training period, clinical outcomes will be measured before and immediately after each training session. Data analysis will include normality tests, generalized linear mixed models, and effect size calculations, with a significance level set at p < 0.05. The results of this study may determine whether the pBFR method represents a viable alternative to tBFR training for promoting strength and hypertrophy gains, thereby contributing to making BFR training more practical and accessible in clinical and applied settings. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06512961. Registered on August 2024.