Does interval training combined with blood flow restriction improve physiological adaptations and performance enhancement?
Interval training combined with blood flow restriction enhances physiological adaptations and endurance performance, with effects moderated by training status, protocol, and cuff width.
PURPOSE: We aimed to determine: (a) the chronic effects of interval training (IT) combined with blood flow restriction (BFR) on physiological adaptations (aerobic/anaerobic capacity and muscle responses) and performance enhancement (endurance and sprints), and (b) the influence of participant characteristics and intervention protocols on these effects. METHODS: Searches were conducted in PubMed, Web of Science (Core Collection), Cochrane Library (Embase, ClinicalTrials.gov, and International Clinical Trials Registry Platform), and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure on April 2, with updates on October 17, 2024. Pooled effects for each outcome were summarized using Hedge's g (g) through meta-analysis-based random effects models, and subgroup and regression analyses were used to explore moderators. RESULTS: change, identifying 8.23 cm as the minimum threshold required for significant improvement. Subgroup analyses regarding muscle strength did not reveal any significant moderators. CONCLUSION: IT+BFR enhances physiological adaptations and optimizes aspects of endurance performance, with moderators including training status, IT protocol (intensity, mode, and type), and cuff width. This intervention addresses various IT-related challenges and provides tailored protocols and benefits for diverse populations.
Yin et al. (2025) studied this question.