Blood Flow Restriction Training Using the Delfi System Is Associated With a Cellular Systemic Response

Abstract

PurposeTo determine the effects of blood flow restriction (BFR) exercise on CD34+ cells, platelets, white blood cells, neutrophils, lymphocytes, lactate, and glucose.MethodsHealthy participants aged 20 to 39 years who were able to perform the exercise sessions were recruited. Participants underwent an experimental (EXP) occluded testing session and a control (CON) session using the Delfi Personalized Tourniquet System. Blood draws were performed prior to testing and immediately after the exercise session. Blood analysis consisted of a complete blood count as well as flow cytometry to measure peripheral CD34+ counts as a marker for hematopoietic progenitor cells.ResultsFourteen men (aged 30.8 ± 3.9 years) volunteered. There was a significant increase in average CD34+ counts immediately after the EXP session only (3.1 ± 1.2 cells ⋅ μL–1 vs 5.2 ± 2.9 cells ⋅ μL–1, P = .012). Platelet counts were significantly elevated after both sessions, with the average increase being higher after the EXP session (mean difference [MD], 34,200/μL; P < .002) than after the CON session (MD, 11,600/μL; P < .002). White blood cell counts significantly increased after both the EXP (8,400 ± 2,200/μL vs 6,300 ± 1,600/μL; P < .001) and CON (MD, 900/μL; P < .001) sessions. There was a significant increase from baseline to immediately after exercise in the average number of lymphocytes (MD, 6.3%; P < .001) and, conversely, a significant decrease in the average neutrophil count (MD, 6.5%; P < .001) in the EXP session only. Lactate levels significantly increased in the EXP (MD, 6.1 mmol ⋅ L–1; P = .001) and CON (MD, 3.6 mmol ⋅ L–1; P = .001) groups. No changes in glucose levels were observed.ConclusionsExercise with BFR causes a significant post-exercise increase in peripheral hematopoietic progenitor cells and platelets, beyond that of standard resistance training.Clinical RelevanceBFR can be considered a way to manipulate point-of-care blood products such as platelet-rich plasma to increase product yield.