Author(s): KOKINDA, M., VADAŠOVÁ, B., RUŽBARSKÝ, P., FECÍK, M., Institution: FACULTY OF SPORTS, Country: SLOVAKIA, Abstract-ID: 2396

INTRODUCTION:
Regulation of blood flow in the limbs using cuffs before or during strength training has become a current and widely discussed topic in both sports medicine and strength and conditioning practice. This method involves the application of specialized cuffs to the upper and lower limbs to partially restrict arterial inflow and venous outflow during exercise. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of an advanced strength training program combined with KAATSU cuffs on muscle strength development in university students participating in combat sports.
METHODS:
The sample consisted of 6 female participants (mean ± SD: age 21.33 ± 1.97 years; height 164.75 ± 5.14 cm; body mass 59.32 ± 4.08 kg) and 6 male participants (mean ± SD: age 21.83 ± 1.17 years; height 180.83 ± 8.28 cm; body mass 78.43 ± 7.42 kg). All participants were enrolled in the study program “Special Physical Training in Security Forces” at the Faculty of Sports, University of Presov. Data collection included assessment of body composition using the InBody 720 device and evaluation of strength abilities. Explosive strength of the lower and upper limbs was assessed using the OptoGait system. Maximal isometric strength of elbow and knee joint flexors and extensors was measured using the Cybex HUMAC NORM dynamometer (CSMi). Submaximal strength during squat and bench press exercises was evaluated through two-repetition tests, with emphasis on movement velocity during the concentric phase. Prior to the intervention, blood flow in selected segments of the upper and lower limbs was analyzed using Doppler ultrasonography (Philips EPIQ). Blood flow in the brachial and femoral arteries was monitored with a Philips L12-3 linear probe to ensure partial restriction without complete occlusion. The intervention program combined bodyweight strength training with KAATSU cuffs and traditional strength training performed at an intensity greater than 80% of one-repetition maximum without cuffs. Cuff pressure during bodyweight exercises was set at a constant 250 SKU, corresponding to approximately a 70% reduction in brachial artery flow and a 54% reduction in femoral artery flow. Each training session lasted 70 minutes (10-minute warm-up, 15-minute KAATSU training, 40-minute traditional strength training, 5-minute cool-down).
RESULTS:
The paired-samples t-test revealed no statistically significant differences between baseline and post-intervention measurements in body composition, explosive strength, or isometric strength in both female and male participants (p > 0.05). Statistically significant improvements were recorded in the tests of squat and bench press in both the male group (mean ± SD: 10.42 ± 0.59 kg) and the female group (mean ± SD: 7.75 ± 4.36 kg).
CONCLUSION:
The present study provides a foundation for more extensive research on blood flow restriction training in the limbs, specifically focusing on innovative approaches to strength-specific warm-up strategies.