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European Journal of Applied Physiology

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01-03-2022 | Original Article

Muscle growth adaptations to high-load training and low-load training with blood flow restriction in calf muscles

Authors: Ryo Kataoka, Ecaterina Vasenina, William B. Hammert, Adam H. Ibrahim, Scott J. Dankel, Samuel L. Buckner

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 3/2022

Abstract

Purpose

To compare muscle growth adaptations between traditional high-load training and low-load training with blood flow restriction (BFR) in the calf muscles over 6 weeks.

Methods

27 trained individuals performed calf exercise in both legs for 6 weeks. Each leg was randomly assigned to one of the two conditions: (1) Traditional (70% of 1RM) training (TRAD); and (2) Low-load (30% of 1RM) training with BFR. In addition, subjects performed standing calf raises with or without BFR. Measures were taken pre- and post-intervention.

Results

For the posterior muscle site, there was no condition (BFR vs. TRAD) × time (pre vs. post) interaction (p = 0.15). In addition, there was no main effect for condition (p = 0.83) or time (p = 0.20). For the lateral muscle site, there was no condition × time interaction (p = 0.47). In addition, there was no main effect for condition (p = 0.10) or time (p = 0.57). For the medial muscle site, there was no condition × time interaction (p = 0.60). In addition, there was no main effect for condition (p = 0.44) or time (p = 0.72). For RPE, there was no condition × time interaction. However, there was a main effect for condition (p < 0.05) with BFR having higher RPE. For discomfort, there was no condition × time interaction. However, there was a main effect for condition (p < 0.001) with the BFR condition displaying higher discomfort.

Conclusion

No muscle growth was detected in the calf musculature. BFR was not more effective at eliciting muscle hypertrophy compared to traditional training. However, it was accompanied with higher exertion and discomfort.

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Title: Muscle growth adaptations to high-load training and low-load training with blood flow restriction in calf muscles
Authors: Ryo Kataoka
Ecaterina Vasenina
William B. Hammert
Adam H. Ibrahim
Scott J. Dankel
Samuel L. Buckner
Publication date: 01-03-2022
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 3/2022
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-021-04862-7

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Muscle growth adaptations to high-load training and low-load training with blood flow restriction in calf muscles

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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