Ankle ProprioceptionNCT07307339
The Acute Effects of Blood Flow Restriction on Ankle Muscle Reaction Time and Proprioception in Healthy Individuals
A study testing Blood Flow Restriction in people with Ankle Proprioception and Blood Flow Restriction, run by Uludag University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
his randomized controlled crossover study aims to investigate the acute effects of lower limb blood flow restriction (BFR) on ankle joint proprioception, postural control, and muscle activation in healthy adults. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 40 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Ankle Proprioception, Blood Flow Restriction
- What is being tested?
- Blood Flow Restriction
- Could I receive a placebo?
- Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
- How many people
- 24 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 1 Sep 2025to 10 Jan 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 40 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Aged between 18 and 40 years
- No known neuromuscular or cardiovascular disease
Who cannot join
- History or presence of cardiac, coronary artery, or peripheral arterial disease
- Presence or history of varicose veins, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, or pulmonary disease
- History of pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis
- Use of medications affecting the central nervous or cardiovascular systems
- Use of oral contraceptives or anticoagulants
- Pregnancy
Show all 9Show fewer
- Open wounds or significant scar tissue at the cuff application site
- History of lower extremity musculoskeletal injury or surgery
- Any neurological, vascular, or systemic condition that may interfere with test performance
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
his randomized controlled crossover study aims to investigate the acute effects of lower limb blood flow restriction (BFR) on ankle joint proprioception, postural control, and muscle activation in healthy adults. Each participant will complete test sessions under BFR (60% individualized arterial occlusion pressure) and control (20 mmHg sham) conditions. Outcome measures include joint position sense, kinesthesia, static and dynamic balance performance, and electromyographic (EMG) activity and reaction times of selected lower limb tibialis anterior and peroneus longus muscles.
Read the detailed description
Lateral ankle sprains are among the most common musculoskeletal injuries and may lead to chronic ankle instability (CAI), partly due to impaired proprioception and neuromuscular control. Blood flow restriction (BFR) training is widely used to augment muscular adaptations with low external loads; however, its acute effects on joint proprioception and sensorimotor control, particularly at the ankle joint, remain unclear and may be detrimental under certain conditions. This randomized controlled crossover trial will examine the effects of a single-session lower limb BFR application on ankle joint position sense, kinesthesia, static and dynamic balance, and EMG-based reaction time and activity of lower limb muscles in healthy adults. Participants aged 18-40 years without recent ankle sprain, neuromuscular, cardiovascular, or thromboembolic disease will undergo standardized proprioception tests using an isokinetic dynamometer, static balance tests on a force platform, Y-balance test, and inversion simulation platform assessments under BFR (60% arterial occlusion pressure) and low-pressure control (20 mmHg) conditions. Individual arterial occlusion pressure (AOP) will be determined using Doppler ultrasound, and BFR will be applied with a pneumatic cuff at the most proximal thigh. All measurements will be performed on the dominant lower limb with sessions scheduled at the same time of day to minimize circadian variability. The primary hypothesis is that acute lower limb BFR will worsen ankle joint proprioception and sensorimotor control compared with the control condition, potentially indicating a transient increase in injury risk during BFR-assisted activities.
- Conditions
- Ankle Proprioception, Blood Flow Restriction
- Being tested
- Blood Flow Restriction, Sham Blood Flow Restriction
- Keywords
- ankle, proprioception, blood flow restriction
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Blood Flow RestrictionOther
Arm Description: Participants perform balance/proprioception tests under lower limb blood flow restriction at % 60 AOP.
Sham Blood Flow RestrictionOther
Sham BFR Description: Participants perform the same tests with sham(20 mmHg) blood flow restriction
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Blood Flow Restriction | Experimental | Participants perform balance/proprioception tests under lower limb blood flow restriction at % 60 AOP. Receives: Other: Blood Flow Restriction |
| Sham BFR | Sham comparator | Sham BFR Description: Participants perform the same tests with sham(20 mmHg) blood flow restriction Receives: Other: Sham Blood Flow Restriction |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change in Ankle Joint Position Sense Error (degrees)
Absolute error (degrees) between target and reproduced angles during passive and active joint position sense tests in inversion and plantar flexion, measured with an isokinetic dynamometer.
Measured: day 1 and day 2
Static Balance Performance
Center of pressure path length (mm) in single-leg and tandem stance with eyes open/closed on force platform (HUR SmartBalance).
Measured: day 3
Change in Kinesthesia Threshold (degrees)
Minimal angular displacement (degrees) at which movement is first perceived in inversion and plantarflexion.
Measured: day 1 and day 2
Static balance performance
sway velocity (mm/s) in single-leg and tandem stance with eyes open/closed on force platform (HUR SmartBalance).
Measured: day 3
static balance performance
sway area (mm^2) in single-leg and tandem stance with eyes open/closed on force platform (HUR SmartBalance).
Measured: day 3
Secondary outcomes (3)
Y-Balance Test Reach Distances (cm)
Anterior, posteromedial and posterolateral reach distances of the tested limb.
Measured: day 4
Peroneus Longus and Tibialis Anterior Reaction Time (ms)
Time from onset of platform-induced inversion to EMG activation exceeding 2× resting activity.
Measured: day 4
Lower Limb EMG Activity (%MVIC)
Mean EMG amplitude normalized to maximal voluntary isometric contraction values.
Measured: day 4
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted29 Dec 2025
- Study start1 Sep 2025
- Primary completion30 Dec 2025 (estimated)
- Study completion10 Jan 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (1)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Ankle ProprioceptionStudies 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
- Crossover
- Model description
- Arm 1: Experimental - Blood Flow Restriction Participants perform balance and proprioception tests under lower-limb blood flow restriction at 60% arterial occlusion pressure. Arm 2: Sham Comparator - Sham Blood Flow Restriction Participants perform the same balance and proprioception tests with sham blood flow restriction at 20 mmHg. This is a randomized crossover study, and all participants complete both conditions in a randomized order.
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 24 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Uludag University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Melike Tugran, Uludag University
- Investigators
- ufuk sekir, Study director, Department of Sports Medicine, Bursa Uludağ University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07307339
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 2025-15/31
- Status last verified
- Nov 2025
- First submitted
- 14 Nov 2025
- Last updated
- 29 Dec 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Tugran M, Sekir U, Hasanoglu M, Gur H, Akova B. The Acute Effects of Blood Flow Restriction on Ankle Muscle Reaction Time and Proprioception in Healthy Individuals. J Sports Sci Med. 2026 Sep 1;25(3):691-700. doi: 10.52082/jssm.2026.691. eCollection 2026 Sep.
PubMed 42713581
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 29 Dec 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The Acute Effects of Blood Flow Restriction on Ankle Muscle Reaction Time and Proprioception in Healthy Individuals
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07307339
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 2025-15/31
- Conditions
- Ankle Proprioception, Blood Flow Restriction
- Keywords
- ankle, proprioception, blood flow restriction
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Active, not recruiting
- Enrolment
- 24 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Uludag UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Sep 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 30 Dec 2025 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 10 Jan 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 29 Dec 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.
his randomized controlled crossover study aims to investigate the acute effects of lower limb blood flow restriction (BFR) on ankle joint proprioception, postural control, and muscle activation in healthy adults. Each participant will complete test sessions under BFR (60% individualized arterial occlusion pressure) and control (20 mmHg sham) conditions. Outcome measures include joint position sense, kinesthesia, static and dynamic balance performance, and electromyographic (EMG) activity and reaction times of selected lower limb tibialis anterior and peroneus longus muscles.
Detailed description
Lateral ankle sprains are among the most common musculoskeletal injuries and may lead to chronic ankle instability (CAI), partly due to impaired proprioception and neuromuscular control. Blood flow restriction (BFR) training is widely used to augment muscular adaptations with low external loads; however, its acute effects on joint proprioception and sensorimotor control, particularly at the ankle joint, remain unclear and may be detrimental under certain conditions. This randomized controlled crossover trial will examine the effects of a single-session lower limb BFR application on ankle joint position sense, kinesthesia, static and dynamic balance, and EMG-based reaction time and activity of lower limb muscles in healthy adults. Participants aged 18-40 years without recent ankle sprain, neuromuscular, cardiovascular, or thromboembolic disease will undergo standardized proprioception tests using an isokinetic dynamometer, static balance tests on a force platform, Y-balance test, and inversion simulation platform assessments under BFR (60% arterial occlusion pressure) and low-pressure control (20 mmHg) conditions. Individual arterial occlusion pressure (AOP) will be determined using Doppler ultrasound, and BFR will be applied with a pneumatic cuff at the most proximal thigh. All measurements will be performed on the dominant lower limb with sessions scheduled at the same time of day to minimize circadian variability. The primary hypothesis is that acute lower limb BFR will worsen ankle joint proprioception and sensorimotor control compared with the control condition, potentially indicating a transient increase in injury risk during BFR-assisted activities.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Basic science
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Arm 1: Experimental - Blood Flow Restriction Participants perform balance and proprioception tests under lower-limb blood flow restriction at 60% arterial occlusion pressure. Arm 2: Sham Comparator - Sham Blood Flow Restriction Participants perform the same balance and proprioception tests with sham blood flow restriction at 20 mmHg. This is a randomized crossover study, and all participants complete both conditions in a randomized order.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Blood Flow Restriction | Experimental | Other: Blood Flow RestrictionParticipants perform balance/proprioception tests under lower limb blood flow restriction at % 60 AOP. |
| Sham BFR | Sham comparator | Other: Sham Blood Flow RestrictionSham BFR Description: Participants perform the same tests with sham(20 mmHg) blood flow restriction |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 40 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (2 listed)
- Aged between 18 and 40 years
- No known neuromuscular or cardiovascular disease
Key exclusion criteria (9 listed)
- History or presence of cardiac, coronary artery, or peripheral arterial disease
- Presence or history of varicose veins, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, or pulmonary disease
- History of pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis
- Use of medications affecting the central nervous or cardiovascular systems
- Use of oral contraceptives or anticoagulants
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 RestrictionArm Description: Participants perform balance/proprioception tests under lower limb blood flow restriction at % 60 AOP. | Other | Blood Flow Restriction |
| Sham Blood Flow RestrictionSham BFR Description: Participants perform the same tests with sham(20 mmHg) blood flow restriction | Other | Sham BFR |
Primary outcome
Change in Ankle Joint Position Sense Error (degrees)
Time frame: day 1 and day 2
Absolute error (degrees) between target and reproduced angles during passive and active joint position sense tests in inversion and plantar flexion, measured with an isokinetic dynamometer.
Static Balance Performance
Time frame: day 3
Center of pressure path length (mm) in single-leg and tandem stance with eyes open/closed on force platform (HUR SmartBalance).
Change in Kinesthesia Threshold (degrees)
Time frame: day 1 and day 2
Minimal angular displacement (degrees) at which movement is first perceived in inversion and plantarflexion.
Static balance performance
Time frame: day 3
sway velocity (mm/s) in single-leg and tandem stance with eyes open/closed on force platform (HUR SmartBalance).
static balance performance
Time frame: day 3
sway area (mm^2) in single-leg and tandem stance with eyes open/closed on force platform (HUR SmartBalance).
3 secondary outcomes
Y-Balance Test Reach Distances (cm)
Time frame: day 4
Peroneus Longus and Tibialis Anterior Reaction Time (ms)
Time frame: day 4
Lower Limb EMG Activity (%MVIC)
Time frame: day 4
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 29 Dec 2025.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 42713581Tugran M, Sekir U, Hasanoglu M, Gur H, Akova B. The Acute Effects of Blood Flow Restriction on Ankle Muscle Reaction Time and Proprioception in Healthy Individuals. J Sports Sci Med. 2026 Sep 1;25(3):691-700. doi: 10.52082/jssm.2026.691. eCollection 2026 Sep.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
Related trials for Ankle Proprioception
Not yet recruiting
Local Vibration and Ankle Mobilization in Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis
RecruitingObservational study
Donor Ankle Sensorimotor Recovery After ACL Reconstruction With a Peroneus Longus Tendon Autograft
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury, Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Not yet recruiting
Effects of Different Music Tempi on Balance and Ankle Proprioception in Healthy Young Adults
Postural Balance, Ankle Proprioception
Recruiting
Dynamic Neuromuscular Stability Exercises With and Without Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation in Lateral Ankle Sprain
Ankle Sprain, Lateral Ankle Sprain
Recruiting
Effect of Core Stability Training With Foot Exercises in Chronic Ankle Instability Patients
Instability, Joint
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.
ufuk sekir study director
Department of Sports Medicine, Bursa Uludağ University
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 in people with Ankle Proprioception and Blood Flow Restriction, run by Uludag University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
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 2 inclusion and 9 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: under way, not looking for participants, as of the sponsor's last update on 29 Dec 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 Turkey (Türkiye). 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. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. 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?
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?
Change in Ankle Joint Position Sense Error (degrees) (time frame: day 1 and day 2). The study lists 5 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07307339, which also lists 1 linked publication.
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 29 Dec 2025.