Effects of low-load blood flow restriction vs. high-load resistance training on upper-body strength in male collegiate gymnasts: A randomized controlled trial

In this cohort of elite gymnasts, a 6-week BFR-LRT program produced comparable adaptations in upper-body strength and strength endurance to traditional HRT, with Bayesian analysis supporting their similar efficacy. Mediation analysis revealed that the pathways to these gains were modality-specific: improvements in handstand push-up endurance were statistically mediated by gains in maximal strength for the HRT group, but not for the BFR-LRT group. These findings establish BFR-LRT as a viable low-load training alternative that may stimulate adaptations through distinct physiological mechanisms, offering important practical implications for managing training volume and mitigating joint stress.