Hemodynamic response and pulse wave analysis after upper‐ and lower‐body resistance exercise with and without blood flow restriction

Abstract

Resistance exercise (RE) has been shown to elevate hemodynamics and pulse wave reflection. However, the effects of acute RE with blood flow restriction (BFR) on hemodynamics and pulse wave reflection are unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the differences between upper-and lower-body RE with and without BFR on hemodynamics and pulse wave reflection. Twenty-three young resistance-trained individuals volunteered for the study. Hemodynamics and pulse wave reflection were assessed at rest, 10, 25, 40, and 55 min after either upper-or lower-body with or without BFR. The upper-body RE (URE) consisted of the latissimus dorsi pulldown and chest press; the lower-body RE (LRE) consisted of knee extension and knee flexion. The BFR condition consisted of four sets of 30, 15, 15, and 15 repetitions at 30% 1repetition maximum (1RM) while the without BFR condition consisted of four sets of 8 repetitions at 70% 1RM. Heart rate, rate pressure product, and subendocardial viability ratio significantly (p < 0.05) increased after all exercises. Brachial and aortic systolic blood pressure (BP) significantly (p < 0.05) elevated after LRE while brachial and aortic diastolic BP significantly (p < 0.05) reduced after URE. Augmentation pressure, augmentation index (AIx), AIx normalized at 75 bpm, and wasted left ventricular pressure energy significantly (p < 0.05) increased after URE while transit time of reflected wave significantly (p < 0.05) decreased after LRE. URE places greater stress on pulse wave reflection while LRE results in greater responses in BP. Regardless of URE or LRE, the cardiovascular responses between BFR and without BFR are similar. HIGHLIGHTS. High-load resistance exercise and low-load resistance exercise with blood flow restriction may produce similar cardiovascular responses. . Upper-body resistance exercise generates greater changes on pulse wave reflections while lower-body resistance exercise induces greater elevations in systolic blood pressure.

Impact of Blood-Flow-Restricted Training on Arterial Functions and Angiogenesis—A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

“…Studies analyzing six parameters of vascular stiffness were identified: the augmentation index (AI), corrected AI (AI75), Systemic Vascular Resistance (SVR), Pulse Wave Analysis (PWV), Large-Artery Elasticity Index (LAEI), and Small-Artery Elasticity Index (SAEI). In the case of AI, AI75, SVR, LAEI, and SAEI data were not sufficient to perform calculations: AI: Four studies were identified [ 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 ], but only Amorim et al showed a more decisive influence of BFR over non-BFR exercise [ 43 ]. AI75: None of the three identified studies reported any significance in the change in AI75 between BFR and non-BFR exercise [ 28 , 43 , 45 ].…”

“…In the case of AI, AI75, SVR, LAEI, and SAEI data were not sufficient to perform calculations: AI: Four studies were identified [ 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 ], but only Amorim et al showed a more decisive influence of BFR over non-BFR exercise [ 43 ]. AI75: None of the three identified studies reported any significance in the change in AI75 between BFR and non-BFR exercise [ 28 , 43 , 45 ]. SVR: According to Karabulut et al, BFR exercise is more effective for decreasing SVR than low-intensity non-BFR exercise but less effective compared to high-intensity non-BFR training [ 47 ].…”

“…AI: Four studies were identified [ 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 ], but only Amorim et al showed a more decisive influence of BFR over non-BFR exercise [ 43 ].…”

“…Improvements in exercise techniques remain one of the greatest challenges of physiotherapy and sports medicine. With increasing expectations for better performance, there In nine studies, a significant elevation of HR was observed after BFR exercise [5,27,29,35,42,44,45,47,48], while in only a single study, the value decreased significantly [55]. In five studies, the elevation of HR was more significant after BFR compared to that after non-BFR exercise [27,29,30,35,42].…”

“…• AI: Four studies were identified [43][44][45][46], but only Amorim et al showed a more decisive influence of BFR over non-BFR exercise [43]. • AI75: None of the three identified studies reported any significance in the change in AI75 between BFR and non-BFR exercise [28,43,45].…”