Key result
Maximal and low-intensity blood flow restricted isometric handgrip training significantly increased handgrip strength compared with control (P<0.001 and P=0.004, respectively).
Why the study?
To determine whether the relationship between isometric training and muscle growth depends on baseline blood flow or blood flow changes, and whether muscle growth mediates changes in maximal isometric strength.
Does isometric handgrip exercise with or without blood flow restriction improve muscle thickness and strength compared to control?
RCT (n=179)
randomized
Does isometric handgrip exercise with or without blood flow restriction improve muscle thickness and strength compared to control?
p-value: p=<0.001
Maximal handgrip training induces strength adaptations that are seemingly not driven by muscle growth or vascular adaptation.
Baseline blood flow does not mediate isometric training effects on muscle size or strength; leaves open whether BFR augments adaptations in this model.
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Wong et al. (2024) reported an RCT. Isometric handgrip exercise (low-intensity, low-intensity with blood flow restriction, or maximal) vs. Non-exercise control was evaluated on Handgrip strength change (HGchg) (p=<0.001). Maximal and low-intensity blood flow restricted isometric handgrip training significantly increased handgrip strength compared with control (P<0.001 and P=0.004, respectively).
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