Low-Load BFR vs. High-Load Training on Biceps Hypertrophy

NCT07561281 | Completed

• 2 other identifiers: Mehmet Akif Ersoy UniversitesiBFR_HLRE_UntrainedMen
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 33
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

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.

Conditions

Muscle Hypertrophy

Keywords

Blood Flow Restriction

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Biceps Brachii Muscle Thickness

  Muscle thickness of the biceps brachii was assessed using ultrasound imaging to evaluate hypertrophic adaptations following the intervention.

  Baseline and 8 weeks (post-intervention), with an additional follow-up measurement at 1 week after the intervention

Study Arms (3)

BFR-RE

EXPERIMENTAL

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.

Device: Blood Flow Restriction Resistance Exercise

HL-RE

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

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.

Behavioral: High-Load Resistance Exercise

Control

NO INTERVENTION

Participants did not engage in any structured resistance training program and continued their normal daily activities throughout the 8-week study period.

Interventions

Blood Flow Restriction Resistance Exercise DEVICE

Resistance exercise was performed under partial vascular occlusion using a pneumatic cuff applied to the upper arm. Limb occlusion pressure was individually determined, and exercise was conducted at a relative intensity corresponding to a percentage of one-repetition maximum. Occlusion pressure was maintained during sets and released between exercises. Training load and repetition tempo were standardized and progressively adjusted throughout the intervention period.

Also known as: BFR Training

BFR-RE

High-Load Resistance Exercise BEHAVIORAL

Participants performed resistance exercise using conventional loading strategies based on a percentage of one-repetition maximum. Training intensity, volume, and progression were standardized across sessions, with loads adjusted periodically according to performance assessments.

Also known as: Traditional Resistance Training

HL-RE

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 30 Years
• Sex: male
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Healthy male participants aged 18-30 years No prior history of structured or specialized resistance training targeting the biceps brachii muscle Normotensive (blood pressure \<140/90 mmHg) Right-handed (to reduce variability related to limb dominance) Willing to provide written informed consent and comply with the study protocol

You may not qualify if:

• History of orthopedic injury or musculoskeletal disorder affecting the upper extremities Diagnosis of hypertension (≥140/90 mmHg) or cardiovascular disease Any neurological condition affecting motor performance Current participation in any structured resistance training program Use of medications or supplements known to influence muscle metabolism or performance

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Karabuk University: collaborator
• Mehmet Akif Ersoy University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Karabük University Hasan Dogan Faculty of Sport Sciences

Karabük, Karabük Province, 78050, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: NON RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Masking Details: 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.
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Assistant Professor

Model Details: Participants were assigned to one of three parallel groups: blood flow restriction training group low load resistance training group and control group and all outcomes were assessed pre and post intervention.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: April 24, 2026
• First Posted: May 1, 2026
• Study Start: June 1, 2025
• Primary Completion: August 3, 2025
• Study Completion: August 3, 2025
• Last Updated: May 7, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-05

Locations

TU (1)