The Effects of Blood Flow Restriction as an Accelerated Modality for Skeletal Muscle Strength

Blood flow restriction resistance training (B2RT) shows promise at promoting hypertrophy and strength development beyond resistance training alone. Occlusion training restricts venous return, altering waste removal, and inducing a baseline whereby lower intensity yields similar stimulus and muscle outcomes. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to elucidate the effects of B2RT on muscular strength in healthy college-age individuals. METHODS: 42 participants (20.1±1.7 years, BMI: 24.7± 4.0 kg/m2) underwent a 7-week B2RT program with 3 times per week sessions of isotonic movement at 50% occlusion pressure for 4 sets (30:15:15:15 reps) at load based on 20% of 1-repetition maximum. RESULTS: Estimated one repetition max (E1RM), handgrip strength, and isokinetic dynamometry were recorded at the beginning and end of the investigation. Compared to control (n=18), participants in the B2RT group (n=24) demonstrated significantly greater strength increases for RDL (7.73% vs. 28.33%, p=0.009) and squat (10.04% vs. 25.12%, p=0.022). Females in the B2RT group demonstrated greater increases in bench row (3.25% vs. 14.39%, p=0.026) and RDL (9.98% vs. 35.65%, p=0.015). Significant strength differences in handgrip and isokinetic dynamometry were not observed. CONCLUSION: B2RT may have favorable effects on isotonic strength gains in comparison to normal resistance training alone. However, investigations of longer duration, more selective recruitment, and increased training stringency is warranted to define more comprehensive findings on B2RT’s effect on isokinetic dynamometry and muscular strength.