Can Conditioning Activity with Blood Flow Restriction Impact Neuromuscular Performance and Perceptual Responses to Exercise?

Low-load conditioning activity with blood flow restriction has been addressed as an efficient method to enhance an individual’s performance during their main exercise activity. However, the optimal degree of blood flow restriction remains unclear. Therefore, this study investigated the acute effects of low-load conditioning activity with different degrees of blood flow restriction on muscle strength, power, and perceived exertion. Twenty recreationally trained men (20.9 ± 2.3 years) participated in a randomized crossover design including three conditions: control, low-load blood flow restriction at 50%, and 75% of total arterial occlusion pressure. Participants performed squats (three sets of ten reps) followed by isokinetic assessments of the knee flexor and extensor performance at 7 and 10-min post-exercise. The session rating of perceived exertion (SRPE) was recorded 30 min after each session. No significant effects were observed for condition, time, or their interaction on peak torque, total work, or average power (p < 0.05). However, SRPE was significantly higher in the 75% BFR condition compared to both the 50% BFR and control conditions (p < 0.05), with no difference between the 50% BFR and control. These findings suggest that low-load conditioning activity with blood flow restriction does not acutely enhance neuromuscular performance. However, a higher degree of restriction increases perceived exertion.