Thermographic assessment of the immediate and short term-effects of blood flow restriction exercise on Achilles tendon skin temperature

To determine the thermal patterning of Achilles tendon following bodyweight resistance exercise with and without blood-flow restriction (BFR). Cross-sectional. Research laboratory. Twelve asymptomatic recreational runners (Age: 37 ± 10, Height: 169 20, Mass: 73.8 13.4). Thermograms were taken pre post a BFR cuff on separate legs. pressure was set at 80% maximal arterial occlusion determined using doppler via tibial artery. Linear mixed-effects models used to assess effect time post-exercise skin-temperature (Tskin). A lower Tskin seen insertion (P = 0.002), but not free 0.234), or musculotendinous junction 0.933). significant upon changes in observed both non-BFR groups 0.002). No interaction 0.726). Region specific found, greater longer reductions before returning baseline. These findings could have implications for programming health. Future research should observe differences between symptomatic healthy tendons. • Blood flow is novel strategy maintaining Region-specific blood tendon. Decrease skin temperature occurred insertional region.