Delayed Onset Muscle SorenessNCT06815367
Pneumatic Compression vs Blood Flow Restriction for Muscle Recovery
A study testing Pneumatic Compression and Blood Flow Restriction in people with Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness, run by University of Southern California at 1 site in United States.
Trial summary
Both BFR and intermittent pneumatic compression are purported to decrease symptoms associated with exercise induced muscle damage (EIMD) that cause delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Blood flow restriction relies on applying pressurized cuffs to the most proximal portion of the limb. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 30 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness
- What is being tested?
- Pneumatic Compression and Blood Flow Restriction
- Type of treatment
- Medical device
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 33 participants
- Where
- 1 siteUnited States
- Study dates
- 15 Jan 2024to 1 May 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 30 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- 18-30 years of age
- Recreationally active population
- Women should be on a form of hormonal contraception.
- No current musculoskeletal injuries or pathologies
- Must answer "yes" to all PAR-Q questions.
Who cannot join
- Individuals that routinely train trail running
- Discomfort when running
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Blood clots
- Cancerous lesions
- Sensory or mental impairment
Show all 16Show fewer
- Unstable fractures
- Acute pulmonary edema
- Acute thrombophlebitis
- Acute congestive cardiac failure
- Acute infections
- Episodes of pulmonary embolism
- Wounds, lesions, infection, or tumors
- Bone fractures or dislocations
- Increased venous and lymphatic return
- Answers "no" to any of the PAR-Q screening questions
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
United States1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, California, 90033
Bailey McLagan, 323-442-2498
About this study
Official title: Comparing the Effects of Pneumatic Compression and Blood Flow Restriction Therapy on Muscle Recovery
Both BFR and intermittent pneumatic compression are purported to decrease symptoms associated with exercise induced muscle damage (EIMD) that cause delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Blood flow restriction relies on applying pressurized cuffs to the most proximal portion of the limb. Another form of recovery often relied upon is pneumatic compression. The mechanism by which pneumatic compression works is similar to that of a massage, whereby the device progressively increases the pressure on a portion of the limb before releasing and moving further up the limb.The purpose of this study is determine whether BFR or pneumatic compression can be used to decreased DOMS which may indicate enhanced recovery.
- Conditions
- Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness
- Being tested
- Pneumatic Compression, Blood Flow Restriction
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Pneumatic CompressionDevice
Following downhill running protocol, participants will complete 20 minutes of pneumatic compression at 100 mmHg.
Blood Flow RestrictionDevice
Following the downhill running protocol, participants will complete 4 rounds of treatment: 3 minutes at 100% resting limb occlusion pressure, 2 minutes of 0% resting limb occlusion pressure.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Control | No intervention | The participants will be asked to refrain from exercise 24 hours prior to and following the exercise. Participants will complete all pre-exercise tests (DOMS, CMJ, MVIC). The exercise consists of running on a treadmill situated at a -10% grade at 9 km/hr (5.59 mph) for 20 minutes. This is proceeded and followed by 5 minute warm-up/cool-down periods. Those that are allocated to the "control" group, will not receive treatment after the downhill running protocol. |
| Pneumatic compression | Experimental | The participants will be asked to refrain from exercise 24 hours prior to and following the exercise. Participants will complete all pre-exercise tests (DOMS, CMJ, MVIC). The exercise consists of running on a treadmill situated at a -10% grade at 9 km/hr (5.59 mph) for 20 minutes. This is proceeded and followed by 5 minute warm-up/cool-down periods. Those allocated to the "pneumatic compression" group will receive 20 minutes of pneumatic compression at 100 mmHg. Receives: Device: Pneumatic Compression |
| Blood flow restriction | Experimental | The participants will be asked to refrain from exercise 24 hours prior to and following the exercise. Participants will complete all pre-exercise tests (DOMS, CMJ, MVIC). The exercise consists of running on a treadmill situated at a -10% grade at 9 km/hr (5.59 mph) for 20 minutes. This is proceeded and followed by 5 minute warm-up/cool-down periods.
Those allocated to the "BFR" group will receive 4 rounds of treatment: 3 minutes will be spent at 100% of resting limb occlusion pressure, followed by 2 minutes of 0% occlusion. Receives: Device: Blood Flow Restriction |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Counter Movement Jump Height
Participants will be asked to complete three consecutive counter movement jumps with hands on hips. The CMJ will be used as an indirect measure of muscle function.
Measured: Immediately before and immediately after exercise, immediately after treatment, 24-hours post treatment.
Maximal Voluntary Isometric Contraction
Participants will be asked to complete an MVIC to assess muscle function.
Measured: Immediately before and immediately after exercise, immediately after treatment, 24-hours post treatment.
Sedentary delayed onset muscle soreness
Using a visual analog scale, participants will be asked to rate their level of soreness while at rest.
Measured: Immediately before and immediately after exercise, immediately after treatment, 24-hours post treatment.
Active delayed onset muscle soreness
Using a visual analog scale, participants will be asked to rate their level of soreness while completing a wall sit.
Measured: Using a visual analog scale, participants will be asked to rate their level of soreness while at rest.
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted7 Feb 2025
- Study start15 Jan 2024
- Primary completion1 Dec 2025
- Study completion1 May 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Delayed Onset Muscle SorenessStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by University of Southern CaliforniaThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 33 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of Southern California
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Todd Schroeder, University of Southern California
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06815367
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- HS-23-00594
- Status last verified
- Aug 2025
- First submitted
- 17 Sep 2024
- Last updated
- 30 Mar 2026
- Results posted
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 30 Mar 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Comparing the Effects of Pneumatic Compression and Blood Flow Restriction Therapy on Muscle Recovery
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06815367
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- HS-23-00594
- Conditions
- Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 33 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- University of Southern CaliforniaUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 15 Jan 2024 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 1 Dec 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 1 May 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 7 Feb 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Both BFR and intermittent pneumatic compression are purported to decrease symptoms associated with exercise induced muscle damage (EIMD) that cause delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Blood flow restriction relies on applying pressurized cuffs to the most proximal portion of the limb. Another form of recovery often relied upon is pneumatic compression. The mechanism by which pneumatic compression works is similar to that of a massage, whereby the device progressively increases the pressure on a portion of the limb before releasing and moving further up the limb.The purpose of this study is determine whether BFR or pneumatic compression can be used to decreased DOMS which may indicate enhanced recovery.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 3
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Control | No intervention | –The participants will be asked to refrain from exercise 24 hours prior to and following the exercise. Participants will complete all pre-exercise tests (DOMS, CMJ, MVIC). The exercise consists of running on a treadmill situated at a -10% grade at 9 km/hr (5.59 mph) for 20 minutes. This is proceeded and followed by 5 minute warm-up/cool-down periods. Those that are allocated to the "control" group, will not receive treatment after the downhill running protocol. |
| Pneumatic compression | Experimental | Device: Pneumatic CompressionThe participants will be asked to refrain from exercise 24 hours prior to and following the exercise. Participants will complete all pre-exercise tests (DOMS, CMJ, MVIC). The exercise consists of running on a treadmill situated at a -10% grade at 9 km/hr (5.59 mph) for 20 minutes. This is proceeded and followed by 5 minute warm-up/cool-down periods. Those allocated to the "pneumatic compression" group will receive 20 minutes of pneumatic compression at 100 mmHg. |
| Blood flow restriction | Experimental | Device: Blood Flow RestrictionThe participants will be asked to refrain from exercise 24 hours prior to and following the exercise. Participants will complete all pre-exercise tests (DOMS, CMJ, MVIC). The exercise consists of running on a treadmill situated at a -10% grade at 9 km/hr (5.59 mph) for 20 minutes. This is proceeded and followed by 5 minute warm-up/cool-down periods. Those allocated to the "BFR" group will receive 4 rounds of treatment: 3 minutes will be spent at 100% of resting limb occlusion pressure, followed by 2 minutes of 0% occlusion. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 30 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- 18-30 years of age
- Recreationally active population
- Women should be on a form of hormonal contraception.
- No current musculoskeletal injuries or pathologies
- Must answer "yes" to all PAR-Q questions.
Key exclusion criteria (16 listed)
- Individuals that routinely train trail running
- Discomfort when running
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Blood clots
- Cancerous lesions
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Pneumatic CompressionFollowing downhill running protocol, participants will complete 20 minutes of pneumatic compression at 100 mmHg. | Device | Pneumatic compression |
| Blood Flow RestrictionFollowing the downhill running protocol, participants will complete 4 rounds of treatment: 3 minutes at 100% resting limb occlusion pressure, 2 minutes of 0% resting limb occlusion pressure. | Device | Blood flow restriction |
Primary outcome
Counter Movement Jump Height
Time frame: Immediately before and immediately after exercise, immediately after treatment, 24-hours post treatment.
Participants will be asked to complete three consecutive counter movement jumps with hands on hips. The CMJ will be used as an indirect measure of muscle function.
Maximal Voluntary Isometric Contraction
Time frame: Immediately before and immediately after exercise, immediately after treatment, 24-hours post treatment.
Participants will be asked to complete an MVIC to assess muscle function.
Sedentary delayed onset muscle soreness
Time frame: Immediately before and immediately after exercise, immediately after treatment, 24-hours post treatment.
Using a visual analog scale, participants will be asked to rate their level of soreness while at rest.
Active delayed onset muscle soreness
Time frame: Using a visual analog scale, participants will be asked to rate their level of soreness while at rest.
Using a visual analog scale, participants will be asked to rate their level of soreness while completing a wall sit.
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 30 Mar 2026.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Pneumatic Compression and Blood Flow Restriction in people with Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness, run by University of Southern California at 1 site in United States.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 16 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 30 Mar 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Bailey McLagan, MS (323-442-2498, mclagan@usc.edu), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Counter Movement Jump Height (time frame: Immediately before and immediately after exercise, immediately after treatment, 24-hours post treatment.). The study lists 4 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 30 Mar 2026.