Skip to main content

Table 1 Study inclusion and exclusion criteria

From: The effects of low-intensity blood flow restricted exercise compared with conventional resistance training on the clinical outcomes of active UK military personnel following a 3-week in-patient rehabilitation programme: protocol for a randomized controlled feasibility study

Inclusion criteria

1. Male

2. 18 to 50 years of age

3. Serving regular UK Armed Forces personnel

4. Lower limb injury (e.g. patellofemoral pain, ACL reconstruction, ankle injury, projectile/blast related injury)

5. Referred to Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre (DMRC), Headley Court for treatment.

6. Present with a level of function enabling engagement in conventional load bearing exercise rehabilitation confirmed by clinical assessment findings and recent training history.

7. Unable to return to active duty due to physical impairment and occupational limitations (e.g. medical downgrading).

Exclusion Criteria

1. Female

2. History of cardiovascular disease (hypertension, peripheral vascular disease, thrombosis/embolism, ischaemic heart disease, myocardial infarction)

3. History of the following musculoskeletal disorders: rheumatoid arthritis, avascular necrosis or osteonecrosis, severe osteoarthritis

4. History of the following neurological disorders: Peripheral neuropathy, Alzheimer’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, mild or severe traumatic brain injury

5. Chronic or relapsing/remitting gastrointestinal disorders such as inflammatory bowel diseases, irritable bowel syndrome or gastrointestinal infections within 28 days of screening.

6. Acute viral or bacterial upper or lower respiratory infection at screening

7. Moderate or severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

8. Amputation to the lower or upper extremity

9. Known or suspected lower limb chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) (tourniquet raises intra-compartmental muscle pressure)

10. Achilles or patella tendinopathy (slow heavy resistance or eccentric exercise programme prescribed as evidence-based for confirmed tendinopathy diagnosis)

11. ACL surgery within the last 4 weeks

12. Surgical insertion of metal components in lower limbs (may affect MRI results)

13. History of any of the following conditions or disorders not previously listed: diabetes, fibromyalgia, active cancer, severe obesity (i.e., body mass index greater than 35 kg/m2), diagnosed mental illness (e.g. PTSD, depression, anxiety)

14. Current or previous use of any drugs known to influence muscle mass or performance within previous 6 months

15. Elevated risk of unexplained fainting or dizzy spells during physical activity/exercise that causes loss of balance