Magnitude of Muscle Strength and Mass Adaptations Between High-Load Resistance Training Versus Low-Load Resistance Training Associated with Blood-Flow Restriction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Author(s)

Lixandrao, Manoel E. ^[1] ; Ugrinowitsch, Carlos ^[1] ; Berton, Ricardo ^[1] ; Vechin, Felipe C. ^[1] ; Conceicao, Miguel S. ^[1] ; Damas, Felipe ^[1] ; Libardi, Cleiton A. ^[2] ; Roschel, Hamilton ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Sch Phys Educ & Sport, Av Prof Mello Moraes 65, Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Fed Sao Carlos, Dept Phys Educ, Lab Neuromuscular Adaptat Resistance Training, Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Review article
• Source: SPORTS MEDICINE; v. 48, n. 2, p. 361-378, FEB 2018.
• Web of Science Citations: 39

Abstract

Background Low-load resistance training (< 50% of one-repetition maximum {[}1RM]) associated with blood-flow restriction (BFR-RT) has been thought to promote increases in muscle strength and mass. However, it remains unclear if the magnitude of these adaptations is similar to conventional high-load resistance training (>65% 1RM; HL-RT). Objective To compare the effects of HL-versus BFR-RT on muscle adaptations using a systematic review and meta-analysis procedure. Methods Studies were identified via electronic databases based on the following inclusion criteria: (a) pre- and post-training assessment of muscular strength; (b) pre- and post-training assessment of muscle hypertrophy; (c) comparison of HL-RT vs. BFR-RT; (d) score >= 4 on PEDro scale; (e) means and standard deviations (or standard errors) are reported from absolute values or allow estimation from graphs. If this last criterion was not met, data were directly requested from the authors. Results The main results showed higher increases in muscle strength for HL- as compared with BFR-RT, even when considering test specificity, absolute occlusion pressure, cuff width, and occlusion pressure prescription. Regarding the hypertrophic response, results revealed similar effects between HL- and BFR-RT, regardless of the absolute occlusion pressure, cuff width, and occlusion pressure prescription. Conclusions Based on the present data, maximum muscle strength may be optimized by specific training methods (i.e., HL-RT) while both HL- and BFR-RT seem equally effective in increasing muscle mass. Importantly, BFR-RT is a valid and effective approach for increasing muscle strength in a wide spectrum of ages and physical capacity, although it may seem particularly of interest for those individuals with physical limitations to engage in HL-RT. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 16/09759-8 - EFFECTS OF CONCURRENT TRAINING ON MUSCLE SATELLITE CELLS AND MYOFIBRILLAR PROTEIN SYNTHESIS
• Grantee: Carlos Ugrinowitsch
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 16/10993-5 - Effects of exercise training in patients undergoing bariatric surgery: a randomized and clinical trial
• Grantee: Hamilton Augusto Roschel da Silva
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 16/22635-6 - Effects of resistance exercise volume on the variability of the hypertrophic response in ELDELY
• Grantee: Manoel Emílio Lixandrão
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate