EFFECT OF BLOOD FLOW RESTRICTION ON RECOVERY AFTER MAXIMUM RESISTANCE EXERCISE: RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED CLINICAL TRIAL

• Grant number: 25/11002-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: April 01, 2026
• End date: March 31, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Franciele Marques Vanderlei
• Grantee: Gabriel Oliveira da Silva
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia (FCT). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Presidente Prudente. Presidente Prudente , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: Resistance training has been widely performed due to its health benefits, such as increased strength and improved physical function. However, when performing this training at high intensity, significant muscle stress occurs, leading to fatigue and compromising subsequent performance, which makes it essential to implement effective recovery strategies to optimize physiological adaptations and minimize damage. Among the accessible techniques, blood flow restriction (BFR) has shown promise for its potential to accelerate muscle recovery and reduce post-exercise pain and fatigue. Despite its benefits, there is a lack of evidence on its effectiveness as a recovery strategy due to the lack of studies evaluating the effects of BFR with different occlusion pressures and in populations of men and women. Objectives: to investigate the recovery after maximum resistance exercise with the application of BFR at different occlusion percentages on clinical, perceptual, and physical and functional performance parameters, in addition to comparing the responses between men and women. Methods: A randomized clinical trial will be conducted with 40 men and 40 women who will be allocated to one of four groups: i) RFS using 80% of total occlusion pressure (TOP) [RFS-80%]; ii) RFS using 60% of total occlusion pressure (TOP) [RFS-60%]; iii) RFS using 10 mmHg (RFS-10mmHg); and, iv) control (CON). All groups will undergo baseline assessments, followed by the muscle stress protocol, and all outcomes will be collected again. Subsequently, the intervention to which they were previously randomized will be performed, and finally, subsequent assessments will be immediately, 24, 48 and 72 hours after exercise. The outcomes evaluated will be, in order: pain using the numerical rating scale (EAN), perception of recovery and discomfort using the Likert scale and of effort using the Borg scale (CR-10), cellular integrity vectors using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), pain threshold using a pressure algometer, muscle tone, stiffness and elasticity using myotonometry, quadriceps muscle strength test using a digital dynamometer, muscle power test using the Squat Jump test and functional single-leg jump test. The descriptive statistical method and analysis of variance for repeated measures model with p<0.05 will be used. Expected Results: It is expected that with higher occlusion pressures, the recovery process with RFS will be more effective in the male population due to hormonal factors, considering the possibility of generating more notable physiological adaptations. (AU)