Ischemic preconditioning: what else can it do...? Review Article.

Abstract

Ischemic preconditioning (IPC) can enhance maximal strength likely due to neural priming. Cruz et al., (2024) examined the neurophysiological mechanisms responsible for the ergogenic effect. Although key neurophysiological measures remained largely unchanged, voluntary activation and maximal strength were greater following IPC than sham-IPC. While the mechanistic evidence remains inconclusive, the greater maximal strength provides further evidence of the ergogenic benefit of IPC. Researchers should continue examining the broader functional implications of IPC.