Abstract

Purpose: Use of blood flow restriction (BFR) during strength training with light loads has been used to induce similar muscular benefits as traditional strength training with heavy loads. Safe and effective recommendations for the use of BFR relies on an understanding of how different methods of BFR alter blood flow during rest and exercise. The purpose of this study was to compare blood flow during exercise and recovery between continuous BFR (CONT), intermittent BFR (INT), and no BFR (NBFR) as a control. Methods: 16 participants (8 male, 8 female) participated in this study on three different days, separated by at least 48 hours. On each day, arterial occlusion pressure (AOP) and plantar flexion 1 repetition maximum (1 RM) was measured prior to performing 4 sets of 15 reps of plantar flexion at a pace of 1rep/2sec at 30% 1RM with either CONT, INT or NBFR. Each 30 s set of exercise was separated by a 60 s recovery period. Pulse-wave doppler ultrasound was used to measure blood flow in the superficial femoral artery distal to the cuff prior to exercise and continuously throughout the exercise protocol, including rest periods. The AOP and 1 RM was measured again after completing the exercise protocol. Blood flow was averaged over 10 second periods throughout the exercise and recovery periods. Results: Blood flow during exercise was not significantly different between the CONT and INT protocols (p = 0.8552). Blood flow during exercise was significantly higher during NBFR than both CONT (p < 0.0001) and INT (p < 0.0001) BFR. Blood flow during the recovery periods was not significantly different between INT and NBFR (p = 0.1251), but both were significantly greater than CONT (p < 0.0001). Men had greater blood flow throughout both the exercise (p = 0.0048) and rest (p = 0.0008) periods when compared to women. No significant differences were found between pre-post exercise AOP (p = 0.2607) or 1RM (p = 0.0664). Conclusions: The significant differences in blood flow during recovery between CONT and INT likely act as a different stimulus which influences oxygen delivery and metabolite stress. The AOP and 1RM remained similar when comparing pre- and post-exercise measurements. The perceived pain was significantly higher in CONT when compared to INT (p=0.0003). Based on the results of this study, CONT may be less tolerable for those concerned about barriers to exercising with BFR, but may create a greater stimulus for adaptations resulting from strength training with BFR.

Degree

MS

College and Department

Life Sciences; Exercise Sciences

Rights

https://lib.byu.edu/about/copyright/

Date Submitted

2025-06-12

Document Type

Thesis

Keywords

Arterial blood flow, blood flow restriction, doppler ultrasound, exercise blood flow, resistance exercise

Language

english

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Life Sciences Commons

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