NCT07480759

Low Load Blood Flow Restriction Training Versus Traditional Heavy Load Resistance Training in Male Athletes With Sub-acute Non-specific Low Back Pain

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 64 (actual)
• Sponsor: University of Lahore · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 24 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

his randomized clinical trial aims to compare the effects of low-load blood flow restriction (LL-BFR) training and traditional heavy-load resistance training (HL-RT) on male athletes with sub-acute non-specific low back pain. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the LL-BFR or HL-RT group for a specified intervention period. Both groups will perform supervised exercise sessions targeting core and lumbar stabilizing muscles. Outcomes including pain intensity, functional disability, and muscle strength will be assessed at baseline and post-intervention. The study seeks to determine whether LL-BFR can provide comparable or superior benefits to HL-RT while reducing mechanical stress on the lumbar spine.

Conditions

• Sub-acute Non-specific Low Back Pain

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Low Load Blood Flow Restriction Training (LL-BFR)	Participants will perform low-load resistance exercises with elastic occlusion cuffs on the proximal thighs, combined with four core exercises (Glute Bridge, Wall Sit, Step-Ups, Bird-Dog). Sessions last 50 minutes, three times per week for 4 weeks. Exercise intensity starts at 20% of 1RM and progresses to 35%, with sets and repetitions designed to improve core strength, reduce pain, and enhance spinal stabilization.
OTHER	Traditional Heavy Load Resistance Training (HL-RT)	Participants will perform high-load resistance exercises without occlusion cuffs, using the same four core exercises. Sessions last 55 minutes, three times per week for 4 weeks. Intensity starts at 50% of 1RM and progresses to 75-80%, with sets and repetitions aimed at improving muscle strength, core stability, and reducing pain and functional disability.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-11-10
• Primary completion: 2026-02-10
• Completion: 2026-02-10
• First posted: 2026-03-18
• Last updated: 2026-03-20

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Pakistan