Key result
Intermittent and continuous blood flow restriction increased peak bar velocity by 12-17% during bench press exercise at lighter loads (20-50% 1RM) compared to no restriction.
Why the study?
The study evaluated the effects of continuous and intermittent blood flow restriction on bar velocity during the bench press exercise across different resistive loads.
Does continuous or intermittent blood flow restriction improve bar velocity during bench press exercise in strength-trained males?
Comparison
Continuous BFR vs intermittent BFR vs no BFR
Design
Randomized counterbalanced crossover study
Authors
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Acute BFR velocity gains at low loads are preliminary; leaves open translation to chronic strength or clinical outcomes.
RCT (n=11)
Open-label
Randomized crossover design
No
Does continuous or intermittent blood flow restriction improve bar velocity during bench press exercise in strength-trained males?
Standardized Mean Difference: 0.82
Absolute Event Rate: 2.34% vs 2.01%
p-value: p=<0.0001
Blood flow restriction during bench press exercise acutely increases peak bar velocity at lower loads (20-50% 1RM) without impairing performance at higher loads.
Wilk et al. (2020) conducted an RCT in Healthy strength-trained males (n=11). Blood flow restriction (intermittent or continuous) vs. No blood flow restriction was evaluated on Peak bar velocity at 20% 1RM (m/s) (Cohen's d 0.82, p=<0.0001). Intermittent and continuous blood flow restriction increased peak bar velocity by 12-17% during bench press exercise at lighter loads (20-50% 1RM) compared to no restriction.
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