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European Journal of Applied Physiology

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28-05-2023 | Original Article

The effect of four weeks blood flow restricted resistance training on macro- and micro-vascular function in healthy, young men

Authors: Masahiro Horiuchi, Lee Stoner, Jillian Poles

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 10/2023

Abstract

Purpose

To determine the macrovascular and microvascular function responses to resistance training with blood flow restriction (BFR) compared to high-load resistance training (HLRT) control group.

Methods

Twenty-four young, healthy men were randomly assigned to BFR or HLRT. Participants performed bilateral knee extensions and leg presses 4 days per week, for 4 weeks. For each exercise, BFR completed 3 X 10 repetitions/day at 30% of 1-repetition max (RM). The occlusive pressure was applied at 1.3 times of individual systolic blood pressure. The exercise prescription was identical for HLRT, except the intensity was set at 75% of one repetition maximum. Outcomes were measured pre-, at 2- and 4-weeks during the training period. The primary macrovascular function outcome was heart-ankle pulse wave velocity (haPWV), and the primary microvascular function outcome was tissue oxygen saturation (StO₂) area under the curve (AUC) response to reactive hyperemia.

Results

Knee extension and leg press 1-RM increased by 14% for both groups. There was a significant interaction effect for haPWV, decreasing − 5% (Δ−0.32 m/s, 95% confidential interval [CI] − 0.51 to – 0.12, effect size [ES] = − 0.53) for BFR and increasing 1% (Δ0.03 m/s, 95%CI − 0.17 to 0.23, ES = 0.05) for HLRT. Similarly, there was an interaction effect for StO₂ AUC, increasing 5% (Δ47%･s, 95%CI − 3.07 to 98.1, ES = 0.28) for HLRT and 17% (Δ159%･s, 95%CI 108.23–209.37, ES = 0.93) for BFR group.

Conclusion

The current findings suggest that BFR may improve macro- and microvascular function compared to HLRT.

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Title: The effect of four weeks blood flow restricted resistance training on macro- and micro-vascular function in healthy, young men
Authors: Masahiro Horiuchi
Lee Stoner
Jillian Poles
Publication date: 28-05-2023
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 10/2023
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-023-05230-3

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Springer Medicine

The effect of four weeks blood flow restricted resistance training on macro- and micro-vascular function in healthy, young men

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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