Abstract
Despite being apparently safe for most individuals, the impact of low intensity (LI) blood-flow restricted (BFR) exercise on nerve function and integrity is still obscure. We explored whether BFR (with and without exercise) alters the properties of nerve conduction measured at the level of the restricted limb. Thirteen healthy, young men (22.0 ± 1.7 years) were included in this study. Arterial occlusion pressure was taken at rest. Soleus M- and H-recruitment curves were constructed for all participants. H-wave latencies and amplitudes were obtained in three testing conditions (non-BFR vs. 60 vs. 80% BFR) at four different time points: [#1] non-restricted baseline, [#2] time control either with or without BFR, [#3] non-restricted pre-exercise, [#4] LI exercise either with or without BFR. Nerve conduction was estimated using the difference between the latency of H and M wave. BFR did not affect H-wave amplitude, either with or without exercise. The changes in the difference between H- and M-wave latency of over time were similar between all conditions (condition-by-time interaction: F = 0.7, p = 0.47). In conclusion, our data indicate that performing LI exercise with BFR, set at 60 or 80% BFR, does not exert a negative impact on sciatic-tibial nerve function. Thus, from a neurological standpoint, we provide preliminary evidence that LI BFR exercise may be regarded as a safe mode of resistance training in healthy young men.
Highlights
There is compelling evidence that blood flow restriction (BFR) during low-intensity (LI) exercise induces similar neuromuscular adaptations as high-intensity training (HI), but using considerable less load[1,2,3,4]
Current research on low intensity (LI) blood-flow restricted (BFR) exercise acknowledges the importance of prescribing an individualized cuff pressure and further recommends setting a relative BFR pressure based on a percentage of the individual arterial occlusion pressure (AOP)[25]
Our findings indicate that neither the amplitude, nor latency of action potentials generated post-stimulation of the tibial nerve are affected by acute BFR, with or without LI exercise
Summary
There is compelling evidence that blood flow restriction (BFR) during low-intensity (LI) exercise induces similar neuromuscular adaptations (e.g. gains in muscle hypertrophy, strength and work capacity) as high-intensity training (HI), but using considerable less load[1,2,3,4]. Higher pressure and/or wider cuffs increase the risk of nerve ischemia and reduce nerve conduction velocity, augmenting numbness sensations These adverse effects are transient and usually do not result in long-term side effects, at least in healthy persons[11,12]. Data from past research demonstrate that the pressure applied to a peripheral nerve inhibits energy-dependent processes, namely the Na+/K+ pump Such alterations lead to the depolarization of sensory and motor axons, resulting in a biphasic excitability response (i.e. first there is an increase and a reduction in nerve excitability)[13,14,15]. Based on previous data reporting occasional numbness in response to acute LI BFR exercise[30], we hypothesized that nerve conduction would be further disturbed with LI BFR exercise vs. BFR alone at similar levels of relative BFR
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