Muscle StrengthBRAVE-CANNCT06912867
Effects of BFR Training on Muscle Strength, Thickness, and Motivation in National Adolescent Male Canoe Athletes
A study testing Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Exercise Program in people with Muscle Strength and Muscle Hypertrophy, run by Eastern Mediterranean University at 1 site in Cyprus.
Trial summary
The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of blood flow restriction (BFR) exercises on lower extremity muscle strength, muscle thickness, and sport-specific motivation in adolescent elite male canoe athletes. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 15 to 18 years, men onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Muscle Strength, Muscle Hypertrophy, Sport Performance
- What is being tested?
- Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Exercise Program
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 40 participants
- Where
- 1 siteCyprus
- Study dates
- 10 May 2024to 20 Jan 2025
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
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 15 to 18 years
- Men only
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Child, Adult
Who may be able to join
- Male athletes aged between 15 and 18 years
- Registered elite-level canoe athletes actively training within a national program
- Minimum of 2 years of canoe sport experience
- Voluntary participation with informed consent (for minors: parental/guardian consent)
- Medically cleared to participate in physical training and testing
Who cannot join
- Existing orthopedic injuries or musculoskeletal disorders affecting lower extremities
- History of cardiovascular, neurological, or metabolic diseases
- Non-compliance with the training protocol during the study
- Participation in any other structured strength training program during the study period
- Use of medications or supplements affecting muscle performance or motivation
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: The BRAVE-CAN Study: A Clinical Trial Investigating the Effects of Blood Flow Restriction Training on Lower Extremity Muscle Strength, Muscle Thickness, and Sport Motivation in Adolescent Male National Canoe Athletes
The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of blood flow restriction (BFR) exercises on lower extremity muscle strength, muscle thickness, and sport-specific motivation in adolescent elite male canoe athletes. Participants aged 15-18 years will perform low-intensity resistance exercises supported by BFR twice a week for 8 weeks. Pre- and post-intervention measurements will include one-repetition maximum (1RM) for muscle strength, ultrasound for muscle thickness, and the Sport Motivation Scale for assessing motivation. Findings are expected to contribute to optimizing training protocols for canoe athletes and to reveal the potential performance-enhancing role of BFR training.
Read the detailed description
This randomized controlled trial aims to investigate the physiological and psychological effects of blood flow restriction (BFR) training on adolescent elite male canoe athletes. Canoeing is a demanding endurance sport requiring well-developed upper and lower extremity strength, core stability, and high levels of sport-specific motivation. In adolescent athletes, whose musculoskeletal and hormonal systems are still developing, traditional high-load resistance training may not always be feasible or safe. BFR training, which involves restricting venous blood flow while performing low-intensity exercises, has emerged as a potential alternative for promoting muscle hypertrophy and strength with reduced mechanical stress.
In this study, a total of 40 adolescent male canoe athletes aged 15 to 18 years are enrolled and randomized into two groups: a BFR intervention group (n=28) and a control group (n=12). The intervention group participates in a supervised BFR-supported resistance training program twice a week for 8 weeks using KAATSU C3 equipment applied to the lower limbs. Both groups continue their regular canoe training programs. Assessments are performed before and after the 8-week training period by blinded evaluators.
Primary outcome measures include isokinetic muscle strength tests, ultrasound-based measurements of muscle thickness and cross-sectional area (CSA), and scores from the validated Sport Motivation Scale. The study is designed to explore potential effects of BFR training on muscular strength, hypertrophy, sprint capacity, and motivational subdomains in this athletic population.
This research aims to contribute to the growing body of literature regarding the applicability of BFR training in adolescent athletes, with a focus on its physiological and psychological outcomes. Findings from this study may help inform future training strategies for youth involved in high-performance sports.
- Conditions
- Muscle Strength, Muscle Hypertrophy, Sport Performance
- Being tested
- Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Exercise Program
- Keywords
- Blood Flow Restriction, Muscle Strength, Adolescent Athletes, Canoe Sprint, Sport Motivation
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Exercise ProgramBehavioural
Participants performed supervised low-load resistance training with BFR using KAATSU C3 equipment twice a week for 8 weeks.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| BFR Training Group | Experimental | Participants performed supervised low-load resistance training with BFR using KAATSU C3 equipment twice a week for 8 weeks. Receives: Behavioral: Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Exercise Program |
| Control Group | No intervention | Participants in this group continued their standard canoe training program without additional blood flow restriction exercises. |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Lower Extremity Muscle Strength (Peak Torque, Nm) - measured via isokinetic dynamometry
Muscle strength of the quadriceps and hamstring muscles was assessed using an isokinetic dynamometer (Biodex System 4) at angular velocities of 60°/s and 300°/s. Peak torque (in Newton-meters) was recorded for both right and left lower limbs. Measurements were conducted at baseline and after the 8-week intervention period by a blinded physiotherapist.
Measured: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 8)
Muscle Thickness (mm) - measured via ultrasound
Muscle thickness and cross-sectional area of the quadriceps femoris and hamstring muscle groups were evaluated using B-mode ultrasound imaging (Mindray DP-10). Measurements were taken bilaterally from standardized anatomical landmarks in a resting position. The assessment was performed by a blinded sports medicine physician at baseline and after 8 weeks of training.
Measured: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 8)
Sport-Specific Motivation Score - measured using the Sport Motivation Scale (validated Turkish version)
Sport-specific motivation levels will be assessed using the Turkish-validated version of the Sport Motivation Scale-II. The scale consists of 18 items rated on a 7-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (Does not correspond at all) to 7 (Corresponds exactly). Total scores range from 18 to 126, with higher scores indicating greater overall sport motivation.
The scale includes three subdimensions relevant to this study:
Motivation to Show Strength
Motivation to Approach Success
Motivation to Avoid Failure Subscale scores are calculated as the mean of related items. Higher subscale scores indicate a stronger level of that specific motivational trait.
Measured: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 8)
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted6 Apr 2025
- Study start10 May 2024
- Primary completion15 Oct 2024
- Study completion20 Jan 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Muscle StrengthStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- 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
- Basic science
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Participants were randomly assigned into two groups using block randomization: an intervention group receiving blood flow restriction (BFR) training and a control group continuing regular training without BFR. Both groups followed their respective training protocols over an 8-week period. Outcomes were assessed pre- and post-intervention by blinded evaluators.
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 40 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Eastern Mediterranean University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Burçin Uğur Tosun, Eastern Mediterranean University
- Investigators
- burcin ugur tosun, PHD, Principal investigator, "Bandırma Onyedi Eylül University, Faculty of Health Sciences"
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06912867
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 2025-43
- Acronym
- BRAVE-CAN
- Status last verified
- Jun 2025
- First submitted
- 27 Mar 2025
- Last updated
- 13 Jun 2025
- 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 13 Jun 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The BRAVE-CAN Study: A Clinical Trial Investigating the Effects of Blood Flow Restriction Training on Lower Extremity Muscle Strength, Muscle Thickness, and Sport Motivation in Adolescent Male National Canoe Athletes
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06912867
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- BRAVE-CAN / 2025-43
- Conditions
- Muscle Strength, Muscle Hypertrophy, Sport Performance
- Keywords
- Blood Flow Restriction, Muscle Strength, Adolescent Athletes, Canoe Sprint, Sport Motivation
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 40 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Eastern Mediterranean UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 10 May 2024 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 15 Oct 2024 (actual)
- Study completion
- 20 Jan 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 6 Apr 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.
The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of blood flow restriction (BFR) exercises on lower extremity muscle strength, muscle thickness, and sport-specific motivation in adolescent elite male canoe athletes. Participants aged 15-18 years will perform low-intensity resistance exercises supported by BFR twice a week for 8 weeks. Pre- and post-intervention measurements will include one-repetition maximum (1RM) for muscle strength, ultrasound for muscle thickness, and the Sport Motivation Scale for assessing motivation. Findings are expected to contribute to optimizing training protocols for canoe athletes and to reveal the potential performance-enhancing role of BFR training.
Detailed description
This randomized controlled trial aims to investigate the physiological and psychological effects of blood flow restriction (BFR) training on adolescent elite male canoe athletes. Canoeing is a demanding endurance sport requiring well-developed upper and lower extremity strength, core stability, and high levels of sport-specific motivation. In adolescent athletes, whose musculoskeletal and hormonal systems are still developing, traditional high-load resistance training may not always be feasible or safe. BFR training, which involves restricting venous blood flow while performing low-intensity exercises, has emerged as a potential alternative for promoting muscle hypertrophy and strength with reduced mechanical stress.
In this study, a total of 40 adolescent male canoe athletes aged 15 to 18 years are enrolled and randomized into two groups: a BFR intervention group (n=28) and a control group (n=12). The intervention group participates in a supervised BFR-supported resistance training program twice a week for 8 weeks using KAATSU C3 equipment applied to the lower limbs. Both groups continue their regular canoe training programs. Assessments are performed before and after the 8-week training period by blinded evaluators.
Primary outcome measures include isokinetic muscle strength tests, ultrasound-based measurements of muscle thickness and cross-sectional area (CSA), and scores from the validated Sport Motivation Scale. The study is designed to explore potential effects of BFR training on muscular strength, hypertrophy, sprint capacity, and motivational subdomains in this athletic population.
This research aims to contribute to the growing body of literature regarding the applicability of BFR training in adolescent athletes, with a focus on its physiological and psychological outcomes. Findings from this study may help inform future training strategies for youth involved in high-performance sports.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Basic science
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Participants were randomly assigned into two groups using block randomization: an intervention group receiving blood flow restriction (BFR) training and a control group continuing regular training without BFR. Both groups followed their respective training protocols over an 8-week period. Outcomes were assessed pre- and post-intervention by blinded evaluators.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| BFR Training Group | Experimental | Behavioral: Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Exercise ProgramParticipants performed supervised low-load resistance training with BFR using KAATSU C3 equipment twice a week for 8 weeks. |
| Control Group | No intervention | –Participants in this group continued their standard canoe training program without additional blood flow restriction exercises. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 15 to 18 years
- Sex
- Male only
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Child, Adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Male athletes aged between 15 and 18 years
- Registered elite-level canoe athletes actively training within a national program
- Minimum of 2 years of canoe sport experience
- Voluntary participation with informed consent (for minors: parental/guardian consent)
- Medically cleared to participate in physical training and testing
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Existing orthopedic injuries or musculoskeletal disorders affecting lower extremities
- History of cardiovascular, neurological, or metabolic diseases
- Non-compliance with the training protocol during the study
- Participation in any other structured strength training program during the study period
- Use of medications or supplements affecting muscle performance or motivation
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Exercise ProgramParticipants performed supervised low-load resistance training with BFR using KAATSU C3 equipment twice a week for 8 weeks. | Behavioural | BFR Training Group |
Primary outcome
Lower Extremity Muscle Strength (Peak Torque, Nm) - measured via isokinetic dynamometry
Time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 8)
Muscle strength of the quadriceps and hamstring muscles was assessed using an isokinetic dynamometer (Biodex System 4) at angular velocities of 60°/s and 300°/s. Peak torque (in Newton-meters) was recorded for both right and left lower limbs. Measurements were conducted at baseline and after the 8-week intervention period by a blinded physiotherapist.
Muscle Thickness (mm) - measured via ultrasound
Time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 8)
Muscle thickness and cross-sectional area of the quadriceps femoris and hamstring muscle groups were evaluated using B-mode ultrasound imaging (Mindray DP-10). Measurements were taken bilaterally from standardized anatomical landmarks in a resting position. The assessment was performed by a blinded sports medicine physician at baseline and after 8 weeks of training.
Sport-Specific Motivation Score - measured using the Sport Motivation Scale (validated Turkish version)
Time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 8)
Sport-specific motivation levels will be assessed using the Turkish-validated version of the Sport Motivation Scale-II. The scale consists of 18 items rated on a 7-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (Does not correspond at all) to 7 (Corresponds exactly). Total scores range from 18 to 126, with higher scores indicating greater overall sport motivation. The scale includes three subdimensions relevant to this study: Motivation to Show Strength Motivation to Approach Success Motivation to Avoid Failure Subscale scores are calculated as the mean of related items. Higher subscale scores indicate a stronger level of that specific motivational trait.
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 13 Jun 2025.
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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. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
burcin ugur tosun, PHD principal investigator
"Bandırma Onyedi Eylül University, Faculty of Health Sciences"
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Exercise Program in people with Muscle Strength and Muscle Hypertrophy, run by Eastern Mediterranean University at 1 site in Cyprus.
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 5 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: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 13 Jun 2025. 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 Cyprus. 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?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Lower Extremity Muscle Strength (Peak Torque, Nm) - measured via isokinetic dynamometry (time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 8)). The study lists 3 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 13 Jun 2025; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 7 Nov 2026.