Low Load Resistance Training Using Blood Flow Restriction for People W
Feasibility of Low-load Resistance Training Using Blood Flow Restriction for People With Multiple Sclerosis and Marked Mobility Restriction
What it found
Results are posted in the registry, but without a statistical test of the main measure. See the numbers below.
What was tested
Treatment tested
- Blood Flow Restriction Exercise
Results by group
Change in Knee Extension Muscle Strength (More-involved Side)
Measured at Baseline (Week 0) and Post Test (Week 9)
| Group | Value | Interval | Number analysed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blood Flow Restriction Exercise | 0.11 kg | 0.02–0.21 | 14 |
Change in Hip Abduction Muscle Strength (More-involved Side)
Measured at Baseline (Week 0) and Post Test (Week 9)
| Group | Value | Interval | Number analysed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blood Flow Restriction Exercise | 0.05 kg | 0–0.1 | 14 |
Change in Ankle Plantarflexion Muscle Strength (More-involved Side)
Measured at Baseline (Week 0) and Post Test (Week 9)
| Group | Value | Interval | Number analysed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blood Flow Restriction Exercise | 0.16 kg | 0.03–0.29 | 14 |
Change in Knee Extension Muscle Strength (Less-involved Side)
Measured at Baseline (Week 0) and Post Test (Week 9)
| Group | Value | Interval | Number analysed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blood Flow Restriction Exercise | 0.11 kg | 0.03–0.19 | 14 |
Change in Hip Abduction Muscle Strength (Less-involved Side)
Measured at Baseline (Week 0) and Post Test (Week 9)
| Group | Value | Interval | Number analysed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blood Flow Restriction Exercise | 0.05 kg | 0.02–0.09 | 14 |
Change in Ankle Plantarflexion Muscle Strength (Less-involved Side)
Measured at Baseline (Week 0) and Post Test (Week 9)
| Group | Value | Interval | Number analysed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blood Flow Restriction Exercise | 0.14 kg | 0.04–0.25 | 14 |
Values as posted on ClinicalTrials.gov. Outcomes measured differently across trials are not directly comparable.
Safety
| Group | Participants at risk | Serious adverse events | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blood Flow Restriction Exercise | 14 | 0 (0.0%) | 0 |
As posted on ClinicalTrials.gov. Serious adverse events include any serious health event during the trial, whether or not the treatment caused it.
What it measured
Main measures
Change in Knee Extension Muscle Strength (More-involved Side)
Measured at Baseline (Week 0) and Post Test (Week 9)
Physical functionChange in Hip Abduction Muscle Strength (More-involved Side)
Measured at Baseline (Week 0) and Post Test (Week 9)
Physical functionChange in Ankle Plantarflexion Muscle Strength (More-involved Side)
Measured at Baseline (Week 0) and Post Test (Week 9)
Physical functionChange in Knee Extension Muscle Strength (Less-involved Side)
Measured at Baseline (Week 0) and Post Test (Week 9)
Physical functionChange in Hip Abduction Muscle Strength (Less-involved Side)
Measured at Baseline (Week 0) and Post Test (Week 9)
Physical functionChange in Ankle Plantarflexion Muscle Strength (Less-involved Side)
Measured at Baseline (Week 0) and Post Test (Week 9)
Physical function
Other measures (7)
Change in 30-second Sit-to-stand Completions
Measured at Baseline (Week 0) and Post Test (Week 9)
Walking and mobilityChange in Berg Balance Scale
Measured at Baseline (Week 0) and Post Test (Week 9)
Walking and mobilityChange in Timed 25-foot Walk
Measured at Baseline (Week 0) and Post Test (Week 9)
Disability progressionWalking and mobilityChange in Activity Level
Measured at Baseline (Week 0) and Post Test (Week 9)
Change in 12-Item MS Walking Scale
Measured at Baseline (Week 0) and Post Test (Week 9)
Walking and mobilityChange in Modified Fatigue Impact Scale
Measured at Baseline (Week 0) and Post Test (Week 9)
FatigueChange in MS Patient-Specific Function Scale
Measured at Baseline (Week 0) and Post Test (Week 9)
Who could take part
MS (type not specified) · 18 to 70 · EDSS 6.0 to 7.0
Show the full criteria
Inclusion criteria
* Adults ages 18-70 * Neurologist-confirmed diagnosis of multiple sclerosis * Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) 6.0 to 7.0 * EDSS 6.0: unilateral assistance (cane or crutch) required to walk at least 100 meters with or without resting * EDSS 6.5: Bilateral assistance (cane or crutch) required to walk at least 20 meters with or without resting * EDSS 7.0: unable to walk 5 meters even with aid, essentially restricted to wheelchair; wheels self and transfers alone; up and about in wheelchair some 12 hours a day
Exclusion criteria
* EDSS 7.5 or greater: Restricted to wheelchair for all mobility, unable to walk more than a few steps, even with walking aid * EDSS 5.5 or less: Able to walk more than 100 meters without walking aid or rest * Unable to provide consent or follow simple directions * Prior history of Deep Venous Thrombosis/ Pulmonary Embolism * History of peripheral vascular disease, thrombophilia or other clotting disorders * Patient report of easy bruising * Any comorbid conditions or pain that substantially affects physical function or would interfere with the participant's ability to safely complete rehabilitation (e.g. neurologic, vascular, cardiac problems, orthopedic, or ongoing medical treatments) as determined by a neurologist of physical therapist * Severe lower extremity spasticity as defined as Modified Ashworth scale > 2 * Currently undergoing supervised resistance training with a physical therapist or other exercise professional * Use of Blood Flow Restriction currently or in the previous 3 months prior to enrollment * MS-related exacerbation or changes to their disease-modifying drug therapy in the month prior to enrollment * Inability to tolerate pressure cuff during baseline assessment
As registered. Criteria can change, so ask the trial team or your neurologist.
About this trial
In the sponsor's words
The Primary Aim of this research study is to determine the feasibility of 8 weeks of physical therapy strengthening exercises using blood flow restriction (BFR) in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) who have moderate-to-severe walking problems. BFR training involves placing a cuff on the leg being exercised in order to restrict blood flow. The cuff is attached to a specialized device that automatically detects the appropriate amount of pressure to place on the limb. Testing will occur before and after the 8-week treatment period.
Papers
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History
Started
Feb 2021
Main results due
Oct 2022
Finished
Oct 2022
Results posted
Jun 2026