Lower Body Blood Flow Restriction Training On Aerobic Adaptations In Minimally Active Adults

Abstract

INTRODUCTION Blood flow restriction (BFR) training is a novel training method that has been shown to elicit positive aerobic and anaerobic physiological adaptations under low intensity. Using a pneumatic cuff placed distally on the limb to restrict blood flow and create an anaerobic environment within exercising muscle in order to elicit muscular adaptations. This has been shown to have a direct positive effect on respiratory variables as well such as VO2max. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to observe the effects of peripheral BFR of bilateral lower limbs during stationary recumbent bike training on VO2max and respiratory adaptations over seven weeks of biweekly training. METHODS: Eight (4 males and 4 females) sedentary, recreationally active adult subjects were randomly assigned to either the BFR (n = 5, BFR) group or non-BFR (n = 3, CON) group. Three testing sessions were conducted throughout the study (pre-training, mid-training, post-training) which consisted of anthropometric measurements and a graded cycle ergometer VO2max test using the COSMED-K5 metabolic analyzer. The test consisted of 2 min stages, starting at 100 W and increasing by 25 W until volitional fatigue. Each BFR training session consisted of a 5 minute warm-up without BFR cuffs, application bilaterally of BFR cuffs to the proximal upper thigh region, and inflation to 60% (BFR) or 5% (CON) of arterial occlusion pressure (AOP), 20 min of cycling at a heart rate reserve (HRR) of 35-45%, and a 5 minute cool down without BFR cuffs. RESULTS: Absolute VO2max, Relative VO2max, Respiratory Exchange Ratio, maximum heart rate, the maximum rate of perceived exertion did not show any significant findings. There was a significant difference (p < 0.05) found in time to reach VO2max and maximum watts reached, however, these two DV declined over the course of the study. This training adaptation was likely due to a fatigue component. Overall, there was not a significant difference observed from the training protocol of this BFR study. CONCLUSION: This study failed to provide evidence supporting the ability of submaximal stationary recumbent bike training combined with BFR to elicit aerobic adaptations, increase in VO2max.