Effect of continuous and intermittent blood flow restriction deep-squat training on thigh muscle activation and fatigue levels in male handball players

Abstract

We aimed to investigate acute changes before and after low-intensity continuous and intermittent blood flow restriction (BFR) deep-squat training on thigh muscle activation characteristics and fatigue level under suitable individual arterial occlusion pressure (AOP). Twelve elite male handball players were recruited. Continuous (Program 1) and intermittent (Program 2) BFR deep-squat training was performed with 30% one-repetition maximum load. Program 1 did not include decompression during the intervals, while Program 2 contained decompression during each interval. Electromyography (EMG) was performed before and after two BFR training programs in each period. EMG signals of the quadriceps femoris, posterior femoral muscles, and gluteus maximus, including the root mean square (RMS) and normalized RMS and median frequency (MF) values of each muscle group under maximum voluntary contraction (MVC), before and after training were calculated. The RMS value under MVC (RMSMVC) of the rectus femoris (RF), vastus medialis (VM), vastus lateralis (VL), and gluteus maximus (GM) decreased after continuous and intermittent BFR training programs, and those of the biceps femoris (BF) and semitendinosus (SEM) increased; The RMS standard values of the VL, BF, and SEM were significantly increased after continuous and intermittent BFR training (P < 0.05), The RMS value of GM significantly decreased after cuff inflating (P < 0.05). The MF values of RF, VM, VL, and GM decreased significantly after continuous BFR training (P < 0.05). Continuous BFR deep-squat training applied at 50% AOP was more effective than the intermittent BFR training program. Continuous application of BFR induces greater levels of acute fatigue than intermittent BFR that may translate into greater muscular training adaptations over time.

Does Blood Flow Restriction Cause Neuromuscular Adaptability in Lower Limb Musculature While Pushing Low-Load Resistance?

“…Our second finding was that hip extensors (hamstrings, gluteus maximus, and gluteus medius) adapted more at slower speeds (80 bpm) than at faster speeds (140 bpm). This previous outcome indicates that BFR with lower speed makes muscles more engaged, which is required for stability during the activity (Wang et al, 2023). This principle of hip extensor activity is similar to Liu et al, (2008), who found that hip extensors (gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, vastus, hamstrings, gastrocnemius, and soleus) are the main muscles that aid stability and forward progression during walking at any speed.…”

Effect of blood flow-restrictive resistance training on metabolic disorder and body composition in older adults with type 2 diabetes: a randomized controlled study

“…Wang et al. ( 31 ) found that continuous compression during BFRE can improve muscle functional capacity more than intermittent compression, but higher fatigue phenomena also occur. In contrast, although intermittent BFRE can also bring fatigue, the recovery speed is faster.…”

Effects of blood flow restriction training on muscle fitness and cardiovascular risk of obese college students

“…Resistance-based BFR training may increase skeletal muscle strength ( Centner et al, 2019 ). In addition, BFR training is less load-bearing, generates less mechanical strain, and induces increased metabolic stress ( Pearson and Hussain, 2015 ; Wang et al, 2023 ). The current American Heart Association recommends that the load of RT for the rehabilitation of patients with cardiovascular disease should be reduced (30% of the single maximal load for the upper extremity and 50%–60% of the single maximal load for the lower extremity), as this will not only lead to improved muscle strength and endurance but also not result in excessive increases in blood pressure or other adverse cardiovascular outcomes ( Kambič et al, 2019 ).…”