Similar Morphological and Functional Training Adaptations Occur Between Continuous and Intermittent Blood Flow Restriction

Davids, CJ, Raastad, T, James, L, Gajanand, Smith, E, Connick, M, McGorm, H, Keating, S, Coombes, JS, Peake, JM, and Roberts, LA. Similar morphological functional training adaptations occur between continuous intermittent blood flow restriction. J Strength Cond Res 35(7): 1784–1793, 2021—The aim of the study was to compare skeletal muscle outcomes after low-load resistance using 2 differing restriction (BFR) protocols. Recreationally active men women (n = 42 [f 21], 24.4 ± 4.4 years) completed 21 sessions over 7 weeks load-matched volume-matched (30% 1 repetition maximum [1RM]) with either (a) no BFR (CON), (b) (BFR-C, 60% arterial occlusion pressure [AOP]), or (c) (BFR-I, AOP). Muscle mass assessed peripheral quantitative computed tomography before training. Muscular strength, endurance, power were determined by assessing isokinetic dynamometry, 1RM, jump performance. Ratings pain effort taken in first final session. An alpha level p < 0.05 used determine significance. There between-group differences for any variables. The cross sectional area (CSA) increased pre-post (p 0.009; CON: 1.6%, BFR-C: 1.1%, BFR-I: 2.2%). Maximal isometric strength 0.001; 9.6%, 14.3%, 19.3%). Total work performed during an endurance task 0.001, 3.6%, 11.3%). Perceptions 0.026) 0.033) exercise higher BFR-C; however, these reduced 0.005–0.034). Overall, data suggest that when 30% 1RM loads are a frequency 3 times per week, addition does not confer superior recreationally individuals. Furthermore, additional metabolic stress is proposed protocol seem translate into proportionally greater adaptations. current findings promote use both without as suitable alternative methods BFR. These approaches may be practically applicable those less tolerable discomfort associated ischemia exercise.