Effects of blood flow restriction on mechanical properties of the rectus femoris muscle at rest

Abstract

Introduction: This study examined the effects of blood flow restriction (BFR) and reperfusion on the mechanical properties of the rectus femoris muscle at rest (frequency and stiffness).Methods: Fourteen trained men (body weight = 81.0 ± 10.3 kg; BMI = 25 ± 3.0 m/kg2; height = 181 ± 4 cm; training experience = 6.0 ± 2.2 years) participated in an experimental session involving their dominant (BFR) and non-dominant leg (control). Muscle mechanical properties were measured using Myoton’s accelerometer at the midpoint of the rectus femoris muscle at five time points. In the BFR leg, an 80% arterial occlusion pressure was applied by a cuff for 5 min. No cuff was applied in the control leg. Femoral Myoton measurements were taken from both legs 2 and 4 min after the start of BRF as well as 30 s and 2 min after the end of the occlusion period.Results: The two-way ANOVA revealed a statistically significant interaction effect for stiffness and frequency (p < 0.001; η2 > 0.67). The post hoc analysis showed that both stiffness and frequency increased during BFR compared with rest and then dropped to the resting levels post BFR period. Also, stiffness and frequency were higher than control only during the BFR period, and similar during rest and post BFR.Conclusion: These results indicate that the application of BFR at rest leads to significant changes in mechanical properties of the rectus femoris muscle.

A Practical Approach for Ischemic Preconditioning Intervention in Sports: A Pilot Study for Cuff Thigh Occlusion Pressure Estimation Based on Systolic Blood Pressure

“…This risk remains significant even during short periods of use. Given that cuff administration is integral to various clinical and sports practices, including blood flow restriction training ( Jarosz et al, 2023 ), IPC ( Marocolo et al, 2019 ), surgeries ( Zhang et al, 2017 ), among others, employing minimal effective pressure becomes crucial to mitigate injuries and facilitate cuff intervention ( Committee, 2007 ; Sharma and Salhotra, 2012 ). Also, a huge discomfort is reported by subjects when an exacerbated cuff pressure is applied on the upper or lower limbs during IPC intervention ( Sharma et al, 2014 ).…”