Efficacy of Blood Flow Restriction Training (BFRT) on Strike Accuracy and Handgrip Strength in Recreational Badminton Players

Achilles tendon (AT) rupture is common among recreational male badminton players. We hypothesize that a landing technique following forehand jump strokes with the landing foot in a neutral position often performed by recreational players and occasionally by elite players may expose the AT to higher loads than a scissor kick jump (SKJ) technique with the leg/foot externally rotated. The study aimed to investigate if recreational players could reduce the load in the AT when adopting the SKJ technique compared to their habitual landing technique with the foot in a neutral position and secondarily to compare the AT force between recreational players and elite players. Ten recreational male players performed simulated jump strokes in a biomechanical laboratory using both their original technique and the SKJ technique traditionally used by elite players. For comparison reasons ten elite players performed SKJs. Landing kinematics and AT forces were captured and calculated using 3D movement analysis. The landing leg was more externally rotated in the recreational players' adjusted technique (78 ± 10 degrees, p < 0.001) compared to 22 ± 21 degrees in recreational players' original technique. The peak AT force of the recreational players was significantly higher for the original technique compared to the adjusted technique (68 ± 19 N/kg vs. 50 ± 14 N/kg, p = 0.005). Additionally, the peak AT forces observed during the recreational players' original technique was higher, though not significantly, than those observed for elite players (55 ± 11 N/kg, p = 0.017). / = 0.016 due to a Bonferroni correction. These findings indicate that recreational badminton players that normally land with the foot in a neutral position, may reduce their AT load by 25% when adopting the SKJ technique of elite players and land with the leg/foot in an externally rotated position.

Ankle injuries are among the most common musculoskeletal issues in badminton players due to quick directional changes and high lower-limb demand. Despite badminton’s popularity in Pakistan, limited research has examined ankle injury prevalence and associated risk factors among recreational players. To determine the prevalence of ankle injuries and identify its associated risk factors among recreational badminton players in Peshawar. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 387 recreational badminton players from three academies in Peshawar. Data was collected using on the Modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (MNMQ), including items on demographics, Prevalence, training characteristics, warm-up practices, previous injuries, footwear, stretching habits, and strength/balance training. The prevalence of ankle injuries was assessed, and chi-square tests were applied to evaluate associations between injuries and potential risk factors. The prevalence of ankle injuries was 45.2%. Significant associations were found between ankle injuries and dominant leg (p = .000), playing experience (p = .000), warm-up practices (p = .000), stretching/ankle mobility exercises (p = .000), previous 12-month injury history (p = .000), ankle support/taping (p = .000), and regular strength/balance training (p = .000). No significant association was observed with gender (p = .260), footwear (p = .318), or fatigue (p = .148). Ankle injuries are highly prevalent among recreational badminton players in Peshawar. Insufficient warm-up routines, lack of mobility training, poor neuromuscular conditioning, and previous injuries significantly increased risk. Preventive strategies emphasizing proper warm-up, stretching, and balance/strength training may reduce injury incidence.

Background: Shoulder pain is a prevalent musculoskeletal issue in overhead sports such as badminton, particularly among recreational players who often lack formal training and preventive care. Despite badminton’s rising popularity in Pakistan, limited data exist on the frequency and impact of shoulder pain in non-elite players, representing a critical research gap. Objective: This study aimed to determine the frequency and severity of shoulder pain and its associated functional disability in recreational badminton players in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 260 recreational badminton players (aged 18–40 years) selected through convenience sampling. Inclusion criteria required active participation in badminton for at least six months, while individuals with recent injuries, neurological disorders, or surgeries were excluded. Data were collected using a self-structured demographic questionnaire and the validated Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI). Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed using SPSS version 27, with mean, standard deviation, and percentages reported. Results: Shoulder pain was reported by 76.15% of participants. The mean pain score was 22.76 ± 19.57, and the mean disability score was 16.27 ± 16.29. SPADI total score averaged 19.52 ± 16.87, indicating a clinically significant impact on shoulder function, though mostly at mild-to-moderate levels. Conclusion: Shoulder pain is highly prevalent among recreational badminton players, often contributing to functional impairment. These findings underscore the need for targeted prevention strategies and early clinical interventions to reduce long-term musculoskeletal burden in this population.

The purpose of the study was to study the effect of motor imagery on handgrip strength in badminton players. Total 25 recreational Badminton Players between the age group 18-25 years of both male and female were included in the study. The study was conducted over 2 weeks. Grip strength by hand dynamometer and Vividness of movement imagery questionnaire-2 were used as outcome measure. The data was analysed using Wilcoxon matched pairs signed rank test in which the two tailed P value was &lt;0.0001. The pre and post intervention assessment showed extremely significant results for increase in hand grip strength. Along with that movement vividness pre and post intervention showed significant results as well. This concludes that motor imagery is effective on hand grip strength and vividness in Recreational badminton players.

Effect of resistance training with different occlusion pressure on hand grip strength and forearm girth among young adults- A pilot study.

This study investigates the effectiveness of blood flow restriction (BFR) training in improving the physical and functional performance of skilled volleyball players. The purpose of the research is to determine the effectiveness of BFR training on the physical performance of qualified volleyball players. The object of the study is the physical and functional fitness of qualified volleyball players, while the subject is the impact of BFR training as a method for enhancing the physical and functional metrics of these athletes. Methods employed to achieve the research goal included: analysis and synthesis of scientific-methodological sources, pedagogical observation, experimental design, pedagogical testing (testing explosive power with vertical jump; upper body muscle strength with push-ups; speed-strength endurance with plank test; reaction speed with weight-transfer jumps; aerobic endurance with beep test; and flexibility with a sit-and-reach test), and methods of mathematical statistics. Organization of the Study. The research involved 22 young male athletes, divided into two groups (control and experimental). The control group followed a standard training program, while the experimental group participated in a custom BFR-enhanced training program designed to improve the physical fitness of qualified volleyball players. This program was structured over an 8-week period with a gradual increase in load. Results of the Study. The findings indicate a significant positive effect of the BFR program on the physical metrics of the volleyball players in the experimental group. Participants in this group demonstrated substantial improvements in several key parameters compared to the control group, which trained according to the standard program. Specifically, an increase in explosive power, measured by vertical jump height, reached approximately 23.5% in the experimental group, compared to only 2.8% in the control group, suggesting a high level of activation of fast-twitch muscle fibers under the hypoxic conditions created by BFR exercises. Improvements were also observed in upper body muscle endurance, with the number of push-ups in the experimental group increasing by 47.4%, compared to 10% in the control group. This result is linked to enhanced protein synthesis and activation of anabolic processes induced by BFR training. Similarly, plank duration, reflecting core endurance, increased by 63.8% in the experimental group versus 8.3% in the control group, confirming enhanced muscle endurance. Aerobic endurance, measured by the beep test, increased by 50% in the experimental group and by 16.7% in the control, indicating cardiovascular system adaptation to more intense conditions at a relatively low external load. Additionally, there was a significant improvement in flexibility metrics, with an increase of 75% in the experimental group compared to 20% in the control group, attributed to the increased elasticity of muscle and connective structures under metabolic stress. Conclusions. The BFR training program demonstrated its effectiveness and safety, reducing injury risk due to lower load intensity while enhancing the athletes' adaptive capacities. The results suggest that BFR training is suitable for enhancing volleyball players’ performance and holds promise for broader application in sports practice. BFR training is recommended for sports practice, especially for volleyball players and athletes in other team sports. With moderate loads and high efficiency, it is suitable for athletes of various skill levels and supports the comprehensive development of physical qualities.

Background: Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a common ailment marked by pain and diminished grip strength. Because traditional rehabilitation techniques can produce variable outcomes, other treatments such as Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) training are being investigated. BFR aims to improve muscle strength and function by limiting blood flow during low-load activities.Objective: This case study assesses the impact of BFR training in improving grip strength and reducing disability in a patient with lateral epicondylitis.Methods: Low-load resistance exercises that targeted the forearm muscles were part of a 6-week BFR training program for a patient with lateral epicondylitis. A dynamometer was used to test grip strength, and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire was used to assess disability both before and after the intervention.Results: Significant functional improvement and pain reduction were demonstrated by the patient, who demonstrated a 25% gain in grip strength and a 40% decrease in impairment based on DASH ratings.Conclusion: In order to improve grip strength and lessen handicap in lateral epicondylitis, BFR training might be a useful supplement to traditional therapy. To validate these findings in broader populations, more research is required.

Background and Study Aim: This study aims to conduct a biomechanical analysis of smash shots in badminton with a focus on the comparison between elite and recreational players. In this context, an in-depth understanding of the biomechanical characteristics of smash shots is expected to provide insight into the key factors that differentiate between elite and recreational players. By involving a systematic review of the existing literature, this study sought to make an essential contribution to a comprehensive understanding of the biomechanical aspects of smash shots.Material and Methods: This study utilized a systematic review design by conducting a literature search through several relevant databases. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were established to select studies that fit the research objectives. The selection of elite and recreational players as research subjects was the main focal point, with significant biomechanical variables identified. Data analysis was conducted by detailing the key results related to smash shots of both groups of players. Results: A systematic analysis of the literature revealed significant differences in the biomechanics of smash shots between elite and recreational badminton players. Elite players exhibited more optimized movement patterns, racket speed and body coordination, giving them an edge in smash stroke execution. These findings reinforce the importance of certain biomechanical factors that need to be considered in the practice and development of smash shot skills to achieve higher levels of performance.Conclusions: Based on systematic analysis, the conclusion of this study confirms that elite badminton players have significantly different biomechanical characteristics in smash shots compared to recreational players. The implication is that specialized drills and training can be directed towards improving certain biomechanical aspects to enhance smash stroke performance. This study provides an essential foundation for the development of more effective training methods in improving the technical abilities of badminton players, both for those at the elite and recreational levels. Keywords: Smash Stroke Biomechanics, Badminton, Comparison of Elite and Recreational Players, Systematic Review, Badminton Player Performance Analysis

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of calf muscle tightness in recreational badminton players and to find the correlation between body mass index (BMI), warm-up, cool down, playing experience, and calf muscle tightness among recreational badminton players. Materials and Methods: A total of 158 recreational badminton players were included in the study based on selection criteria for calf muscle tightness using the modified weight-bearing lunge test (MWBLT). A purposive sampling technique was used for data collection. Results: The MWBLT identified calf muscle tightness in 26.6% of participants. There was a positive correlation between BMI and MWBLT (0.817), negative correlation between playing experience and MWBLT (-0.454), and negative correlation between cool-down and MWBLT (-0.890). Conclusion: Calf muscle tightness is quite common among recreational badminton players and may contribute to increased risk of Achilles tendon injuries due to altered ankle biomechanics. The inverse correlation between cool-down and MWBLT indicates that post-match stretching plays an important role in preventing muscle tightness.

The aim of this descriptive study is to determine the incidenceof injuries among recreational badminton players. We evaluated86 recreational badminton players in the city of Malacca; 35were excluded for fitting the exclusion criteria. The averagerecreational badminton player was 36.13 years old and hadbeen playing badminton for the past 17.84 years at a frequencyof 2.11 times per week. 39.21% of the recreational badmintonplayers complained of recent injuries in relation to playingbadminton. Our data showed that the most common injurysustained by recreational badminton players was pain andstiffness at the shoulder joint. None of the injuries sustained bythe players in our data were serious enough to warrant any formof surgical intervention. We conclude that badminton is a sportof relatively low risk and that the majority of related injurieswere chronic overuse injuries. Key Words: Recreational Badminton Players, Injuries INTRODUCTION Badminton, an individual, non-contact sport which requires acombination of jumps, lunges, quick changes in direction andrapid arm movements, is a popular racquet game in Malaysia.During such movements, the body may be exposed to variousforms of injuries. Hence, it is not uncommon for badmintonplayers to sustain various injuries during the game. Aretrospective study carried out in Hong Kong on elitebadminton players showed that sprains were the most commontype of injuries, and that the back, shoulder, thigh and kneewere the most common areas involved

Background: Blood flow restriction, a form of low intensity resistance exercise that when applied on body it demonstrates physiological changes that give positive outcomes like increased muscle growth, oxygen delivery and utilization of maximal oxygen. The purpose of this study was to examine effects of 4-week Blood flow restriction training protocol on forearm girth on grip strength in young adults. Methods: A comparative study was carried out in 80 normal individuals ( divided in two groups) after examining inclusion and exclusion criteria with pre assessment of forearm girth and grip strength of both right and left hand. Results: Blood flow restriction training group has shown more significant results than traditional training group. Conclusion: This study concludes that both the groups were effective post intervention. But BFRT has shown more significant results as compared to traditional training on handgrip strength and forearm girth.

Dear Editor-in-Chief: We read with interest the article published by Weatherholt et al. (7). The authors performed a well-controlled study that adds to our knowledge about blood flow–restricted exercise. With their within-subject design, the authors observed similar increases in upper arm muscle cross-sectional area (mCSA) and strength after 8 wk of low load unilateral elbow flexion and extension training with and without blood flow restriction (BFR). The authors suggest that the adaptations for both muscle strength and hypertrophy observed in the limb trained without BFR are attributable to a cross-education effect. Although unilateral training with a high load can increase muscular strength in the untrained, contralateral limb (6), we feel it is likely that the training adaptations observed in the limb trained without BFR are due to the local training stimulus itself. The authors’ reason for suggesting a neural cross-education effect is that training with a low load “is generally accepted as being too low to cause strength increases” (7). Although evidence suggests that high-load training does produce greater increases in strength compared with low-load training, it is clear that low-load training will increase maximal strength to an extent (1). Moreover, other studies using a within-subject design have shown greater increases in muscular strength in a limb trained under BFR compared with the contralateral limb trained without BFR (5). This suggests that increases in strength in one limb are not always equivalent in the contralateral limb. The similar increases in muscular strength observed in both the BFR- and non–BFR-trained limb in the present study are likely attributable to similar increases in mCSA (7). With respect to the author’s second conclusion, a systemic effect of BFR resistance training causing anabolic hormone-induced hypertrophy of the contralateral limb, we suggest that the increase in mCSA of the non–BFR-trained limb is likely due to the local training stimulus itself. Although BFR knee extensor and flexor exercise has been shown to enhance training-induced hypertrophy of the elbow flexors (3), the acute anabolic hormonal response causing such adaptation is questionable. In contrast to the aforementioned study, West et al. (8) have shown that exercise-induced increases in anabolic hormones do not enhance training-induced hypertrophy of the elbow flexors. Furthermore, elbow flexor exercise alone is unable to cause an acute rise in such hormones (8). In the present investigation (7), it is unlikely that such a low volume of unilateral elbow flexor and extensor exercise, even with BFR, would be able to increase such hormones. It is likely that 8 wk of low-load training without BFR was capable of inducing muscle hypertrophy because low-load training without BFR has been shown previously to induce muscle hypertrophy (2,4). This commentary should not be taken as criticism of the study; we offer another possible explanation for the muscular adaptations observed with low-load training without BFR. Similar training adaptations to different unilateral training protocols should not necessarily be attributed to a cross-over effect. C.A. Fahs has received a grant from the American College of Sports Medicine for doctoral research in Kaatsu methodology (#012012).

Objectives:BFR is a training method that partially restricts arterial inflow and fully restricts venous outflow to selected muscle groups during exercise. A decrease in oxygen levels creates anaerobic fatigue that stimulates protein synthesis for muscular repair and strengthening. Low-load BFR training was recently demonstrated in a randomized controlled trial to increase lower extremity muscle strength (proximal, distal, and contralateral) based on isokinetic testing, dynamometer measurements, and single-leg heel raises. BFR is a training method that partially restricts arterial inflow and fully restricts venous outflow to selected muscle groups during exercise. A decrease in oxygen levels creates anaerobic fatigue that stimulates protein synthesis for muscular repair and strengthening. The primary objective of this study is to determine the effects of low-load blood flow restriction (BFR) training compared to a conventional strengthening program using dynamic force plate and isometric force frame analyses in healthy subjects.Methods:This was a randomized controlled trial of healthy participants completing a standardized 16-week course of BFR training. Patients were randomized to BFR training on 1 extremity or to a control group. Low-load training, with or without BFR, was done 3x per week. For subjects randomized to BFR training, the tourniquet was placed on the non-dominant limb. Data was collected at baseline, 4 weeks, 6 weeks, 8 weeks, 12 weeks, and 16 weeks. At each data collection time point, quantitative strength measurement using ForceFrames and ForceDecks were obtained.Results:There was no difference in change in average force between the BFR group and the control group from baseline testing to final 16 week testing. Additionally, there was no difference between BFR limb and non-BFR limb within the experimental group from baseline testing to final 16 week testing.Conclusions:In conclusion, low load BFR testing did not improve effects of strength training in terms of force testing when compared to conventional training in healthy subjects. The use of healthy subjects rather than subjects in pathologic and post-surgical states may explain why low-load BFR did not confer additional benefit. A low-load BFR regimen may not provide enough stimulus to produce muscle hypertrophy compared to a higher load regimen when applied to healthy subjects. Ultimately, further study into the optimal duration of BFR training is required.

The study purpose was to examine the association between the Medial Longitudinal Arch (MLA) and balance among recreational badminton players. Materials and methods. Total of 48 recreational badminton players aged 18–40 (24 males and 24 females) were recruited. Navicular Drop Test (NDT), Single Leg Stance Balance Test (SLSBT) and Modified Star Excursion Balance Test (mSEBT) were assessed on both dominant and non-dominant leg. Participant’s foot type was categorized using NDT scores according to difference of navicular height in weight bearing and relax sitting; static balance was grouped based on the time (seconds) the players were able to maintain balance during the SLSBT; and dynamic balance was grouped based on the percentage of distance reached in mSEBT. Results. The study results revealed a significant association between the MLA of dominant (p&lt;0.05) and non-dominant leg (p=0.02) with static balance among recreational badminton players. However, there is no significant association between the MLA of dominant (Anterior: p=0.39; Posteromedial: p=0.34; Posterolateral: p=0.98) and non-dominant leg (Anterior: p=0.39; Posteromedial: p=0.54; Posterolateral: p=0.07) with dynamic balance. Conclusions. The current study concludes that there is a significant association between the MLA and static balance. However, no changes were seen in dynamic balance. Thus, coaches and trainers may look into the MLA of players to improve their static balance, which can further improve their sports performance. Future studies are recommended to examine the effects of dynamic balance in more depth with increased sample size.

To compare muscle growth adaptations between traditional high-load training and low-load training with blood flow restriction (BFR) in the calf muscles over 6 weeks. 27 trained individuals performed calf exercise in both legs for 6weeks. Each leg was randomly assigned to one of the two conditions: (1) Traditional (70% of 1RM) training (TRAD); and (2) Low-load (30% of 1RM) training with BFR. In addition, subjects performed standing calf raises with or without BFR. Measures were taken pre- and post-intervention. For the posterior muscle site, there was no condition (BFR vs. TRAD)×time (pre vs. post) interaction (p = 0.15). In addition, there was no main effect for condition (p = 0.83) or time (p = 0.20). For the lateral muscle site, there was no condition×time interaction (p = 0.47). In addition, there was no main effect for condition (p = 0.10) or time (p = 0.57). For the medial muscle site, there was no condition×time interaction (p = 0.60). In addition, there was no main effect for condition (p = 0.44) or time (p = 0.72). For RPE, there was no condition×time interaction. However, there was a main effect for condition (p < 0.05) with BFR having higher RPE. For discomfort, there was no condition×time interaction. However, there was a main effect for condition (p < 0.001) with the BFR condition displaying higher discomfort. No muscle growth was detected in the calf musculature. BFR was not more effective at eliciting muscle hypertrophy compared to traditional training. However, it was accompanied with higher exertion and discomfort.