Greater discomfort with blood flow restriction training compared to standard low‐load resistance exercise when both are performed to task failure. Issue 6 (6th August 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pignanelli, Christopher; Burr, Jamie F.
• Is Part Of: Translational sports medicine. Volume 3:Issue 6(2020)
• Page Start: 607
• Page End: 615
• Publication Date: 2020-08-06
• Subjects: blood flow restriction -- habituation -- ischemic training -- pain -- repetition failure; Sports medicine -- Periodicals; Sports injuries -- Periodicals; 617.1027
• DOI: 10.1002/tsm2.184
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2573-8488

Abstract

Abstract: Low‐load blood flow restriction (LL‐BFR) training improves muscular adaptation compared to traditional low‐load resistance exercise (LL‐RE), when matched for work. However, when both are performed to task failure, similar improvements in muscular strength and hypertrophy occur. At task failure, the perceived discomfort after a single bout of LL‐BFR or LL‐RE is equivocal and it remains unclear how this might change over time with training. Therefore, we examined alterations in the perception of discomfort during LL‐RE and LL‐BFR training. Ten resistance‐trained males performed both LL‐RE and LL‐BFR to failure, with each leg assigned to a different condition for 6 weeks. Perceived discomfort was obtained after each set and rest period during the 1st, 4th, 8th, 11th, and 15th training sessions using a 1000‐pixel visual analog scale. Perceived discomfort was similar following each set for LL‐RE and LL‐BFR within each training session and did not change with training. At the end of rest periods, with the tourniquet still applied, a consistently greater discomfort was reported with LL‐BFR (all P < .02), with no evidence for desensitization over time. Overall, participants reported similar discomfort following LL‐RE and LL‐BFR sets to failure; however, the application of BFR throughout rest periods increased discomfort, with no clear habituation with regular training.