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01-04-2014 | Original Article

Vascular adaptations to low-load resistance training with and without blood flow restriction

Authors: Christopher A. Fahs, Lindy M. Rossow, Robert S. Thiebaud, Jeremy P. Loenneke, Daeyeol Kim, Takashi Abe, Travis W. Beck, Daniel L. Feeback, Debra A. Bemben, Michael G. Bemben

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 4/2014

Abstract

Purpose

To examine the effects of low-load knee extensor training to fatigue with and without blood flow restriction (BFR) on calf vascular conductance, calf venous compliance, and peripheral arterial stiffness in middle-aged individuals.

Methods

Eleven men (55 ± 8 years) and five post-menopausal women (57 ± 5 years) completed 6 weeks of unilateral knee extensor training with one limb exercising with BFR (BFR limb) and the contralateral limb exercising without BFR (free flow, FF limb). Before and after the training, femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV), calf blood flow (normalized as conductance), and calf venous compliance were measured in each limb.

Results

PWV increased following training in both limbs (main effect of time, p = 0.036; BFR limb 8.9 ± 0.8 vs. 9.5 ± 0.9 m/s, FF limb 9.0 ± 1.2 vs. 9.0 ± 1.1; Pre vs. Post). Calf blood flow increased (p = 0.026) in the FF limb (25.0 ± 7.0 vs. 31.8 ± 12.0 flow/mmHg; Pre vs. Post) but did not change (p = 0.831) in the BFR limb (29.1 ± 11.3 vs. 28.7 ± 11.5 flow/mmHg; Pre vs. Post). Calf venous compliance did not change in either limb following training.

Conclusions

These results suggest low-load BFR resistance training to fatigue elicits small increases in peripheral arterial stiffness without eliciting concomitant changes in venous compliance. In addition, unlike low-load knee extensor training without BFR, training with BFR did not enhance calf blood flow.

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Title: Vascular adaptations to low-load resistance training with and without blood flow restriction
Authors: Christopher A. Fahs
Lindy M. Rossow
Robert S. Thiebaud
Jeremy P. Loenneke
Daeyeol Kim
Takashi Abe
Travis W. Beck
Daniel L. Feeback
Debra A. Bemben
Michael G. Bemben
Publication date: 01-04-2014
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 4/2014
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-013-2808-3

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Vascular adaptations to low-load resistance training with and without blood flow restriction

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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