Effect of Low-Load Blood Flow Restriction Training and High-Load Resistance Training on Quadriceps Strength, Dynamic Stability, and Functional Performance.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to compare the effects of low load-blood flow restriction training (LL-BFRt), sham LL-BFRt, and high load-resistance training (HL-Rt) on quadriceps strength, dynamic stability, and functional performance.
Results Summary
Both LL-BFRt and HL-Rt significantly improved quadriceps strength, dynamic stability (SEBT), and functional performance (SLHT) over 8 weeks, with no significant improvements in the sham LL-BFRt group. The improvements in LL-BFRt and HL-Rt were comparable, suggesting both methods are effective.
Population
63 basketball and rugby players in Bali, Indonesia.
Effective Dosage
45-minute sessions twice per week.
Duration
8 weeks.
Interactions
None mentioned.
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
low load-blood flow restriction training (LL-BFRt) | increase | Quadriceps strength (QS) | 63 basketball and rugby players | 9.2-33.5 Newton | significantly improved | #1 |
low load-blood flow restriction training (LL-BFRt) | increase | star excursion balance test (SEBT) | 63 basketball and rugby players | 1.2-11.1 cm | significantly improved | #2 |
low load-blood flow restriction training (LL-BFRt) | increase | single-leg hop test (SLHT) | 63 basketball and rugby players | 1.3-9.8 cm | significantly improved | #3 |
high load-resistance training (HL-Rt) | increase | Quadriceps strength (QS) | 63 basketball and rugby players | 15.4-35.9 Newton | significantly improved | #4 |
high load-resistance training (HL-Rt) | increase | star excursion balance test (SEBT) | 63 basketball and rugby players | 2.2-9.0 cm | significantly improved | #5 |
high load-resistance training (HL-Rt) | increase | single-leg hop test (SLHT) | 63 basketball and rugby players | 4.5-15.8 cm | significantly improved | #6 |
sham LL-BFRt | no change | Quadriceps strength (QS), star excursion balance test (SEBT), and single-leg hop test (SLHT) | 63 basketball and rugby players | - | no significant improvement | #7 |
OBJECTIVE: Blood flow restriction (BFR) is a method used to affix a pneumatic cuff to the uppermost part of a leg. Blood flow restriction is often combined with low load-blood flow restriction training (LL-BFRt) to enhance strength and promote muscle hypertrophy. Therefore, this research aimed to examine the effect of LL-BFRt, sham LL-BFRt, and high load-resistance training (HL-Rt) on quadriceps strength (QS), dynamic stability, and functional performance. DESIGN: Single-blinded randomized trial method. SETTING: A private physical therapy clinic in Bali, Indonesia. PARTICIPANTS: Data were collected from 63 basketball and rugby players assigned to 3 intervention groups, namely, LL-BFRt, sham LL-BFRt, and HL-Rt, through block randomization. INDEPENDENT VARIABLES: Each participant received intervention consisting of 45-minute sessions twice per week for 8 weeks. OUTCOME MEASURES: Quadriceps strength, star excursion balance test (SEBT), and single-leg hop test (SLHT) were evaluated in baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks of the intervention period. RESULTS: In LL-BFRt and HL-Rt groups, QS, SEBT, and SLHT scores were significantly improved during 8-week intervention period, except in sham LL-BFRt group. Furthermore, there was a significant improvement in LL-BFRt (QS: 9.2-33.5 Newton; SEBT: 1.2-11.1 cm; SLHT: 1.3-9.8 cm, P-values < 0.05) and HL-Rt groups (QS: 15.4-35.9 Newton; SEBT: 2.2-9.0 cm; SLHT: 4.5-15.8 cm, P < 0.05) compared with sham LL-BFRt. CONCLUSIONS: The improvements attained by participants using LL-BFRt and HL-Rt were comparable and capable of improving QS, SEBT, and SLHT more than sham LL-BFRt. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT05951036.