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01-12-2015 | Original Article

Effects of exercise intensity and occlusion pressure after 12 weeks of resistance training with blood-flow restriction

Authors: Manoel E. Lixandrão, Carlos Ugrinowitsch, Gilberto Laurentino, Cleiton A. Libardi, André Y. Aihara, Fabiano N. Cardoso, Valmor Tricoli, Hamilton Roschel

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 12/2015

Abstract

Purpose

We compared the effects of different protocols of blood-flow restriction training (BFRT) with different occlusion pressures and/or exercise intensities on muscle mass and strength. We also compared BFRT protocols with conventional high-intensity resistance training (RT).

Methods

Twenty-six subjects had each leg allocated to two of five protocols. BFRT protocols were performed at either 20 or 40 % 1-RM with either 40 or 80 % occlusion pressure: BFRT20/40, BFRT20/80, BFRT40/40, and BFRT40/80. Conventional RT was performed at 80 % 1-RM (RT80) without blood-flow restriction. Maximum dynamic strength (1-RM) and quadriceps cross-sectional area (CSA) were assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks.

Results

Regarding muscle mass, increasing occlusion pressure was effective only at very low intensity (BFRT20/40 0.78 % vs. BFRT20/80 3.22 %). No additional increase was observed at higher intensities (BFRT40/40 4.45 % vs. BFRT40/80 5.30 %), with no difference between the latter protocols and RT80 (5.90 %). Exercise intensity played a role in CSA when comparing groups with similar occlusion pressure. Muscle strength was similarly increased among BFRT groups (~12.10 %) but to a lesser extent than RT80 (21.60 %).

Conclusion

In conclusion, BFRT protocols benefit from higher occlusion pressure (80 %) when exercising at very low intensities. Conversely, occlusion pressure seems secondary to exercise intensity in more intense (40 % 1-RM) BFRT protocols. Finally, when considering muscle strength, BFRT protocols seem less effective than high-intensity RT.

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Title: Effects of exercise intensity and occlusion pressure after 12 weeks of resistance training with blood-flow restriction
Authors: Manoel E. Lixandrão
Carlos Ugrinowitsch
Gilberto Laurentino
Cleiton A. Libardi
André Y. Aihara
Fabiano N. Cardoso
Valmor Tricoli
Hamilton Roschel
Publication date: 01-12-2015
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 12/2015
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-015-3253-2

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Effects of exercise intensity and occlusion pressure after 12 weeks of resistance training with blood-flow restriction

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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