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

Author(s)

Lixandrao, Manoel E. ^[1] ; Ugrinowitsch, Carlos ^[1] ; Laurentino, Gilberto ^[1] ; Libardi, Cleiton A. ^[2] ; Aihara, Andre Y. ^[3] ; Cardoso, Fabiano N. ^[3] ; Tricoli, Valmor ^[1] ; Roschel, Hamilton ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Sch Phys Educ & Sport, BR-05508030 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Fed Sao Carlos, Ctr Biol & Hlth Sci, Dept Phys Educ, BR-13560 Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil

^[3] Diagnost Amer SA DASA, Sao Paulo - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSIOLOGY; v. 115, n. 12, p. 2471-2480, DEC 2015.
• Web of Science Citations: 48

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 (similar to 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. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 14/05320-6 - DOSE-RESPONSE OF OCCLUSION PRESSURE AND EXERCISE INTENSITY IN MORPHOLOGICAL AND NEURAL ADAPTATION IN A STRENGTH TRAINING PROTOCOL
• Grantee: Manoel Emílio Lixandrão
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master