Bridging training and competition: Blood flow restriction as a novel tapering approach

Purpose Effective tapering is essential to maintain peak performance and reduce injury risk prior to competition. Blood flow restriction (BFR) training, a low-load alternative to traditional resistance exercise, has shown promise; however, its biomechanical effects during tapering are not well defined. This study aimed to compare the acute effects of low-pressure and high-pressure BFR with traditional progressive resistance exercise (PRE) on muscle tone and stiffness during a simulated tapering period. Methods This randomized controlled study included sixty-two healthy participants (mean age 21.03±0.83 years; 54.8% female). The participants were randomized into three groups: low-pressure BFR (20% arterial occlusion pressure [AOP]), high-pressure BFR (80% AOP), and PRE. Over four days, participants completed group-specific resistance protocols targeting the biceps brachii. Muscle tone and stiffness were measured using a MyotonPRO device just after each session. Results In intragroup analyses, muscle tone showed significant time effect in the PRE (η 2 =0.772, p<0.001) and 80% BFR (η 2 =0.387, p<0.001) groups, but not in the 20% BFR group (η 2 =0.004, p=0.975). Similarly, muscle stiffness increased over time in the PRE (η 2 =0.393, p<0.001) and 80% BFR (η 2 =0.251, p<0.001) groups, while no significant changes were observed in 20% BFR group (η 2 =0.037, p=0.544). Intergroup comparisons revealed that 80% BFR demonstrated greater changes in both muscle tone and stiffness compared to 20% BFR (p<0.001). Conclusions Both high-pressure BFR and PRE increase muscle tone and stiffness during tapering, which may have implications for mechanical strain. In contrast, low-pressure BFR does not significantly alter muscle tone or stiffness, suggesting its potential as a lower-mechanical-strain tapering strategy. However, the present results should be considered preliminary evidence, and further research in strength-trained and athletic populations is warranted to determine whether these findings can be generalized to athletic populations. Clinical trial number: NCT06861699, registration date: 03.03.2025