Author(s): BOMMASAMUDRAM, T.1,2, KUMAR, A.1, RAGHURAMA NAYAK, K.3, CLARKSON, M.4, KADAVIGERE, R.5, RUSSELL, A.2, WARMINGTON, S.2, Institution: MANIPAL COLLEGE OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS, Country: INDIA, Abstract-ID: 1841

INTRODUCTION:
This study investigated the chronic adaptations of muscle strength and aerobic capacity following aerobic and bodyweight exercise performed with and without blood flow restriction (BFR).
METHODS:
Thirty-eight participants were allocated to BFR walking (BFR-W, n = 8), BFR walking lunges (BFR-WL, n = 8), non-BFR walking (NBFR-W, n = 8), non-BFR walking lunges (NBFR-WL, n = 7), or control (C, n = 7) groups. Each completed six weeks of supervised training. Walking was performed for 15 minutes at a self-selected pace, while walking lunges consisted of 3 sets of 16 repetitions. BFR was applied at 60% of the individual limb occlusion pressure during BFR conditions
RESULTS:
Using a two-way ANOVA with repeated measures, strength data showed no effect for Group. However, there was a significant main effect for Time. Post hoc analysis revealed all groups increased in strength from pre- to post, except WL. An additional one-way ANOVA of change data showed the change in BFR groups to be significantly greater than the non-BFR and Control groups. For VO2 max, there was only a significant main effect for Time (i.e. pre-to-post), with all groups showing an increase in VO2 max across training period. Analysis of change scores showed no difference in the improvement in VO2 max between BFR and non-BFR groups.
CONCLUSION:
The findings suggest that participation in low-intensity aerobic or bodyweight training leads to similar improvements in muscular strength over time, and these are equally enhanced through the use of BFR. In contrast, improvements in aerobic capacity appeared unaffected by the addition of BFR during training. Collectively, these results indicate that for light aerobic or bodyweight-based training, BFR may enhance strength development but not cardiorespiratory fitness.