Overview
The goal of this clinical trial is to identify any differences in elbow ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) relative thickness and joint space laxity in the dominant arm following an 8-week course of low intensity resistance exercises with blood flow restriction (BFR) exercises in healthy volunteers. The main questions it aims to answer are:
- Do BFR exercises contribute to a change in the relative ligament thickness of the UCL, and changes in the ulnohumeral joint space?
- Are there changes in arm strength following the 8-week strengthening protocol with/without BFR?
Participants will:
- Complete two BFR sessions a week for a total of eight weeks.
- Complete an exercise session with both arms (dominant arm will receive BFR) at each study visit.
- Have sonographs taken of the UCL at the first and last study visit.
- Complete strength assessments at the first and last study visit.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Healthy volunteer
- Agree to complete all exercise sessions and program in its entirety
- Between the ages of 18-50 years old
Exclusion Criteria:
- Current or recent injury of the hand, elbow, or shoulder
- Outside of the ages of 18-50 years old
- Vascular compromise or previous vascular surgery
- History of DVT
- Current participation in other BFR research study
- Currently participating in a structured strength training program
- Any musculoskeletal conditions resulting in inability to exercise
- Participants may not be collegiate/professional baseball/softball players
- Vulnerable populations