Effect of Occlusion Training on Body Composition and Performance in Female Aesthetic Gymnasts: Randomized Controlled Trial

Blood flow restriction training is attracting increasing attention of the scientific and sports community. The purpose of this study is to develop and experimentally confirm the methodology for occlusal training to increase the performance of athletes engaged in aesthetic gymnastics. A randomized controlled trial was conducted according to CONSORT guidelines. Female athletes were randomized using the random number table method into two groups: the experimental group trained with blood flow restriction (n = 10), and the control group trained according to the traditional method (n = 10). Questioning, examination, body composition analysis, vertical jump with counter-movement, and ergospirometry were used. The groups differed statistically significantly by lean body mass index, vertical jump with counter-movement, oxygen consumption at the anaerobic threshold, and maximum oxygen consumption. Overall, 15-min training using occlusive training, 3 times a week (pressure for occlusion 40–80%) helps to improve body composition and improve performance.