The Effects of Resistance Training With and Without Blood Flow Restriction on Follistatin and IGF-1 Levels in Male Students

To investigate the effects of resistance training with and without blood flow restriction on follistatin levels, IGF-1, body fat percentage, and muscular strength in male students

This study was a randomized, parallel, single-blind clinical trial conducted on 45 male students. Participants were randomly assigned into three equal groups (resistance training with blood flow restriction, traditional resistance training, and control) using a random number table and the G-Power software. The sample size was calculated using G-Power, and the trial aimed to evaluate the effects of the interventions on follistatin, IGF-1, body fat percentage, and muscular strength. The trial was conducted in the implementation phase and adhered to clinical trial principles.

The study was conducted at Shahrekord Azad University gym and a specialized

Inclusion criteria included males aged 20 to 25 years with a BMI of 20 to 25 kg/m², no regular physical activity in the past six months, and general health confirmed by a physician. Exclusion criteria included cardiovascular diseases, chronic conditions such as diabetes or kidney failure, use of medications or supplements affecting hormones, and physical or psychological limitations preventing participation in the exercises

The study included three groups: the first group performed blood flow restriction resistance training (20-30% 1RM), the second group performed traditional resistance training (70-80% 1RM), and the third group served as the control group without exercise intervention.

Follistatin levels; IGF-1 levels; body fat percentage; muscular strength (leg press and bench press).

Simple randomization will be used to allocate participants into three groups. A random number table will be utilized for this purpose. The random number table will be obtained from a standard source (such as statistical software or reference books on randomization). Each group will be assigned a code: Group 1 (traditional resistance training), Group 2 (resistance training with blood flow restriction), Group 3 (control). To generate the sequence, random numbers will be read from the table in order. Each number will be assigned sequentially to one of the three groups. The randomization sequence will be prepared confidentially and placed in sealed and numbered envelopes. The envelope numbers will correspond to the participant numbers (based on the order of entry into the study). The staff responsible for participant enrollment will not have access to the content of the envelopes or the group allocation sequence. Each participant, after being confirmed as eligible for the study, will receive a numbered envelope based on their order of entry (e.g., the first participant will receive envelope 1, the second participant envelope 2, and so on). The envelope number will indicate the group allocation for that participant. The randomization and allocation process will be conducted by an independent individual (unrelated to data analysis or intervention implementation) to ensure impartiality. All envelopes will remain sealed until the allocation process is complete.

Raw data related to the primary outcome variables (follistatin levels, IGF-1 levels, body fat percentage, and muscular strength) will be shared after anonymizing participants' personal information. The data will be provided in Excel files and will be accessible solely for research purposes. Access requests must be sent via email to the corresponding author and will be granted upon approval by the Research Ethics Committee of Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord Branch.

Access to the data and documents will begin 6 months after the publication of results in a peer-reviewed scientific journal and will remain available for 2 years.

The data and documents will only be accessible to researchers affiliated with academic and scientific institutions. Applicants must provide their institutional affiliation and specify their research purpose.

The data will be used solely for research and scientific analysis and cannot be used for commercial or personal purposes. Applicants must submit a research proposal, adhere to ethical research principles, and sign an agreement not to share the data. Access will be granted upon approval by the Research Ethics Committee of Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord Branch.

Applicants can send their requests to the corresponding author, Naser Alimardani, via email at Jafari.akm@gmail.com. For coordination and follow-up, they can also contact him at +98 9125479267. Postal address: Department of Physical Education, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord Branch, Shahrekord, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, Iran.

The applicant must email their research proposal, study objectives, and institutional affiliation to the corresponding author. After review and approval by the ethics committee, the applicant signs an ethical agreement, and the data is shared within 2 to 4 weeks via email or a secure platform.