The Effect of Blood Flow Restriction Training on Isokinetic Strength Muscle Thickness and Athletic Performance

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of the study is to compare the effects of low-intensity strength training applied with blood flow restriction (BFR) method to the lower and upper extremities with classical hypertrophy (CH) training on isokinetic strength parameters, muscle thickness (MT), and athletic performance. Methods: The participants were divided into 2 groups as BFRG and CHG. The BFRG applied the strength training program with 20-40% of their 1 repetitive maximal (1 RM) and the CH with 60-80% of 1 RM for 8 weeks, including the lower and upper extremities. To analyze the results of different protocols (BFRG and CHG), as well as pre and post-test measurements and the protocol by time interaction effect, a repeated-measures two-way ANOVA test was employed. Results: In both groups observed isokinetic strength parameters, MT and athletic performance were increased similarly (p<0.05). Conclusions: BFR with low-intensity strength training elicits similar adaptations to that obtained with high-intensity strength training without BFR.