An interventional study of Practical Blood Flow Restriction Bands and Traditional Swimming Training in Swimming Performance, sponsored by Istanbul Gelisim University. Completed at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Open to male participants aged 36 Years to 51 Years, including healthy volunteers. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-08-26.
Sponsored by Istanbul Gelisim University · Not applicable, Interventional, and Other
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of practical blood flow restriction (pBFR) applied during swimming training on sprint and endurance performance in master swimmers. Fifty-four male master swimmers (36-51 years) were randomly assigned to either a pBFR group (n = 27) or a control group (n = 27). Both groups followed the same swimming training programme twice weekly for eight weeks. In the pBFR group, elastic bands were applied to the proximal region of both thighs at a perceived tightness level of 7/10 during approximately 20 min of low-intensity swimming performed at the beginning of each training session. Performance was assessed using a 50-m freestyle kick test, a 100-m freestyle swimming test, and a 12-min Cooper swimming test.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of practical blood flow restriction (pBFR) applied during swimming training on sprint and endurance performance in master swimmers. Fifty-four male master swimmers (36-51 years) were randomly assigned to either a pBFR group (n = 27) or a control group (n = 27). Both groups followed the same swimming training programme twice weekly for eight weeks. In the pBFR group, elastic bands were applied to the proximal region of both thighs at a perceived tightness level of 7/10 during approximately 20 min of low-intensity swimming performed at the beginning of each training session. Performance was assessed using a 50-m freestyle kick test, a 100-m freestyle swimming test, and a 12-min Cooper swimming test.
Exclusion Criteria:
* History of hypertension, diabetes, or cardiovascular disease
Blood Flow Restriction Swimming Training
Device: Practical Blood Flow Restriction Bands
No Intervention
Other: Traditional Swimming Training
Practical blood flow restriction was applied during swimming training using elastic bands on the proximal thighs.
Participants in the control group performed standard swimming training without blood flow restriction.
Cooper 12-Minute Swimming Test
Cooper 12-Minute Swimming Test Swimmers were asked to swim continuously in freestyle for 12 minutes, covering the maximum possible distance. The test began with a push-off from the pool wall, and turns were performed using the appropriate technique. Participants were informed to stop immediately if they would experience symptoms such as shortness of breath or inability to continue swimming. The total distance covered in 12 minutes was recorded in meters.
Time frame: Pre-intervention and post-intervention at 8 weeks
Short-distance kicking performance test
Swimmers completed the test distance using only leg kicks while holding a kickboard, without performing arm strokes. This sprint test was designed to assess the propulsive force generated by the lower limbs. The test started with a push-off from the pool wall, and turns were executed by pushing off the wall. Time was recorded in seconds.
Time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks
100 m Freestyle Swimming Test
The test began with a dive start and included turns performed according to FINA rules. Swimming time was recorded using three independent stopwatches, and the mean value of the three measurements was used for statistical analysis.
Time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks
Plan to share: No
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Istanbul Gelisim University