The effect of Low-Intensity Cycling Exercise Combined with Blood Flow Restriction on VO2max, Muscle Strength, and Muscle Thickness

Abstract Background The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of low-intensity cycling exercise combined with blood flow restriction (BFR) on VO₂max, muscle strength, and muscle thickness. Methods Twenty-four sedentary male participants volunteered for the study and were divided into three groups, each consisting of eight individuals: cycling exercise group (CEG; 40% VO₂max, 40 minutes), cycling exercise with blood flow restriction group (CBFRG; 40% VO₂max, limb occlusion pressure (LOP) at 60–80%, 15 min), and control group (CG; 40% VO₂max, 15 minutes). The isokinetic knee strength parameters, muscle thickness, and VO₂max values of participants were measured twice, at the beginning of the study and at the end of the ninth week. Data were analysed using two-way repeated measures ANOVA. Results The analysis revealed significant improvements in muscle thickness and VO₂max parameters favouring post-tests for both the CEG and the CBFRG. In inter-group comparisons, significant advantages for the CBFRG were identified in the respiratory exchange ratio (RER) and vastus lateralis (VL) muscle thickness in both legs. Other parameters showed similar improvements across the groups. Additionally, peak torque (PT) at an angular velocity 180°s−1 in the left leg quadriceps (Q, F = 5.53; p = 0.021; η²=0.34) and mean power (MP) in the right leg quadriceps demonstrated significant benefits for the CBFRG. Conclusions The study concludes that low-intensity cycling combined with BFR significantly enhances VO₂max, muscle strength, and muscle thickness, with improvements comparable to those obtained from high-intensity cycling exercises. Therefore, low-intensity cycling exercise with BFR can be considered a robust alternative to traditional high-intensity cycling exercises. Trial registration: Current Controlled Trials NCT07114835 08/08/2025