Acute Inflammatory Response to a Single Bout of Resistance Exercise with or Without Blood Flow Restriction

Background: The effectiveness of resistance training (RT) with blood flow restriction (BFR) is limited from the health perspective. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the acute inflammatory response to a single bout of RT with or without BFR. Methods: Twenty-four non-athletic male students were randomly divided into 3 groups (n = 8), including: (1) high intensity (HIRT- 80% of 1-RM: 3 × 10 R), (2) low intensity (40% of 1-RM: 3 × 30 R) with BFR (180 mmHg) (LIRT + BFR) and (3) LIRT. Results: Significant increase for IL1-β (p = 0.001), IL-6 (P = 0.001), TNF-α (P = 0.002), CRP (P = 0.007), ICAM1 (P = 0.016), HCY (P = 0.008) were observed. These responses in the HIRE and LIRT + BFR groups were significantly higher than in the LIRT group respectively (P ≤ 0.05). Conclusions: The LIRT + BFR has similar effects to HIRT and can be used in rehabilitation training. The gradual overload and proper recovery are very important due to the increase in acute inflammatory responses.