Key result
Blood flow restricted knee extension exercise increased vastus lateralis muscle thickness by 34.9% immediately post-exercise, remaining significantly elevated for up to 3 hours (p < 0.05).
Why the study?
Understanding the duration of transient muscle growth following blood flow restricted exercise is important for exercise recovery and the measurement of hypertrophy.
Does unilateral blood flow restricted knee extension exercise increase muscle thickness of the vastus lateralis compared to a non-exercise control leg in young adults?
Does unilateral blood flow restricted knee extension exercise increase muscle thickness of the vastus lateralis compared to a non-exercise control leg in young adults?
p-value: p=<0.05
Blood flow restricted resistance exercise induces transient increases in vastus lateralis muscle thickness that persist for up to 3 hours post-exercise.
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Transient post-BFR thickness increases warrant caution in ultrasound interpretation; leaves open links to chronic hypertrophy.
Young et al. (2021) studied this question. Blood flow restricted knee extension exercise vs. Non-exercise control limb was evaluated on Changes in muscle thickness of the vastus lateralis (p=<0.05). Blood flow restricted knee extension exercise increased vastus lateralis muscle thickness by 34.9% immediately post-exercise, remaining significantly elevated for up to 3 hours (p < 0.05).
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