Neuromuscular Adjustments Following Sprint Training with Ischemic Preconditioning in Endurance Athletes: Preliminary Data

This preliminary study examined the effect of chronic ischemic preconditioning (IPC) on neuromuscular responses to high-intensity exercise. In a parallel-group design, twelve endurance-trained males (VO2max 60.0 ± 9.1 mL·kg−1·min−1) performed 30-s Wingate test before, during, and after 4 weeks sprint-interval training. Training consisted bi-weekly sessions 7 supra-maximal all-out cycling bouts with 4.5 min recovery, preceded by either IPC (3 × 5-min compression at 220 mmHg/5-min reperfusion, IPC, n = 6) or placebo compressions (20 mmHg, PLA, 6). Mechanical indices root mean square power frequency electromyographic signal from three lower-limb muscles were continuously measured during tests. Data averaged over six 5-s intervals analyzed Cohen’s sizes. Changes in peak output not different between groups. However, mid- post-training, improved more than PLA 20 25-s interval (7.6 10.0%, ES 0.51) 25 (8.8 11.2%, 0.58), as well fatigue index (10.0 2.3%, 0.46). Concomitantly this performance difference, attenuated decline spectrum throughout (mean difference: 14.8%, range: 0.88–1.80). There was no difference amplitude These results suggest that using before sprint training may enhance test, such gains occurred last 2 intervention. improvement be due, part, adjustments induced use IPC.