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Int J Sports Med 2017; 38(08): 597-603
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-109555
Physiology & Biochemistry
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

The Cardiovascular and Perceptual Response to Very Low Load Blood Flow Restricted Exercise

Matthew B Jessee
1   Kevser Ermin Applied Physiology Laboratory, University of Mississippi, Health, Exercise Science, and Recreation Management, University, United States
,
Scott J Dankel
1   Kevser Ermin Applied Physiology Laboratory, University of Mississippi, Health, Exercise Science, and Recreation Management, University, United States
,
Samuel L Buckner
1   Kevser Ermin Applied Physiology Laboratory, University of Mississippi, Health, Exercise Science, and Recreation Management, University, United States
,
J. Grant Mouser
1   Kevser Ermin Applied Physiology Laboratory, University of Mississippi, Health, Exercise Science, and Recreation Management, University, United States
,
Kevin T Mattocks
1   Kevser Ermin Applied Physiology Laboratory, University of Mississippi, Health, Exercise Science, and Recreation Management, University, United States
,
Jeremy P Loenneke
1   Kevser Ermin Applied Physiology Laboratory, University of Mississippi, Health, Exercise Science, and Recreation Management, University, United States
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History



accepted after revision 12 April 2017

Publication Date:
26 June 2017 (online)

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Abstract

This study sought to compare cardiovascular and perceptual responses to blood flow restriction (BFR) exercise using various pressure and load combinations. Fourteen participants completed four sets of BFR elbow flexion using 10, 15 and 20% 1RM with 40 and 80% arterial occlusion pressure (AOP). AOP was measured before and after exercise. Perceived exertion (RPE) and discomfort were assessed before exercise and after each set. Data presented as mean (95% CI), except for RPE and discomfort: 25th, 50th, 75th percentiles. AOP increased post-exercise (p<0.001) with larger magnitudes seen when increasing load and pressure (p<0.001) [e. g., 10/40 ΔAOP: 21 (10, 32) mmHg vs. 20/80 ΔAOP: 62 (45, 78) mmHg], which also augmented RPE (p<0.001) [e. g., 4th set 10/40: (7, 8.5, 12) vs. 4th set 20/80: (12.75, 15.5, 17.25)] and discomfort (p<0.001) [e. g., 4th set 10/40: (0.75, 2, 4.25) vs. 4th set 20/80: (4.25, 6, 8,)]. Volume increased via greater loads (p<0.001), and participants only reached failure during 20% 1RM conditions [20/40: 74 (74, 75) repetitions; 20/80: 71 (68, 75) repetitions]. When performing BFR exercise with very low loads the magnitudes of the cardiovascular and perceptual responses are augmented by increasing the load and by applying a higher relative pressure.

Key words

occlusion training - vascular occlusion - ischemic exercise - arterial occlusion
 

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