What does this research mean for the field?

Low-load blood flow restriction training is a feasible and load-efficient approach that improves performance parameters and perceived change in amateur soccer players, with potential but non-significant benefits for lower-limb injury prevention. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.INCREMENTAL. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

December 20, 2025BMC Sports Science Medicine and Rehabilitation1 citationsOpen Access

Performance and injury-related effects of low-load blood flow restriction training in amateur soccer players: a randomized controlled trial

BKBegüm Kara KayaBiruni University AAAyşe Zengin AlpözgenIstanbul University-Cerrahpaşa MAMehmet Rahmi AlpözgenTurkish Academy of Sciences

Structured PICO

Does low-load blood flow restriction training improve muscle strength, endurance, and performance outcomes in amateur male soccer players compared to traditional high-intensity training?

Population

20 licensed male amateur soccer players (university-level league, Tier 2: Trained/Developmental), aged 18-30 years. BFR group (n=10, mean age 22.3), control group (n=10, mean age 22.1). Excluded if recent injuries within 6 months, lower extremity surgery within past year, or contraindications to BFR.

Intervention

Low-load blood flow restriction (BFR) training (30-50% 1RM, 60-80% arterial occlusion pressure) applied via manual tourniquet system to proximal dominant thigh, 2 sessions per week for 6 weeks during preseason.

Comparator

Traditional moderate-to-high-intensity training (70-90% 1RM) without blood flow restriction, 2 sessions per week for 6 weeks.

Outcome

Muscle strength and muscular endurance assessed using an isokinetic dynamometer at 6 weeks.surrogate

Low-load blood flow restriction training is a feasible and load-efficient approach to improve performance parameters and hypertrophy in amateur soccer players compared to traditional high-intensity training.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Blood flow restriction (BFR) has gained interest in its application in exercise and potential benefits. This study aimed to investigate the effects of low-load, low-frequency BFR training compared with traditional high-intensity training on soccer-related performance outcomes and injury indicators in amateur athletes. METHODS: Twenty licensed male soccer players competing in a university-level league were randomized to either a BFR group (n = 10, 22.3 ± 1.3 years) or a control group (n = 10, 22.1 ± 1.8 years) for 6 weeks of training. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included muscle strength-endurance (isokinetic dynamometer), power (vertical jump test), aerobic endurance (Yo-Yo level 1 test), speed-agility (T test, Y-shaped reactive agility test), dynamic balance (Y test), thigh circumference, fatigue (blood lactate, Borg scale), and sportive self-confidence. Perceived change (GROC) was assessed post-intervention. Injury data were tracked for six months following the intervention. RESULTS: = 0.24) and GROC scores (p = 0.022) were significantly higher in the BFR group than in the control group. No differences were observed in terms of fatigue. The standard error of the mean values for significant within-group changes ranged from 0.03 to 8.64. Although the injury rate was lower in the BFR group, this trend was not significant (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: BFR appears to be a feasible, load-efficient, and well-tolerated approach to improve performance parameters in amateur soccer players, with potential benefits for lower-limb injury prevention. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Prior to participant enrollment, this study was prospectively registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05452109 first submitted on June 1, 2022).

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Cite This Study

Kaya et al. (Sat,) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a10283b8090e499da60b54f https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1186/s13102-025-01416-8

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