Key result
Low-intensity finger flexor training with blood flow restriction led to similar exercise volume but was perceived as significantly more discomforting (median RPD 9 vs 6) and less enjoyable compared to high-intensity training.
Why the study?
This study compared perceptional and physiological responses of finger flexor exercise performed with free flow versus blood flow restriction.
Does blood flow restriction during low-intensity finger flexor resistance training alter perceptional and physiological responses compared to high-intensity or low-intensity training without restriction in advanced climbers?
RCT (n=13)
Open-label
Randomized and counterbalanced order
No
Does blood flow restriction during low-intensity finger flexor resistance training alter perceptional and physiological responses compared to high-intensity or low-intensity training without restriction in advanced climbers?
Effect estimate: r = 0.66
Absolute Event Rate: 9% vs 6%
p-value: p=0.018
In advanced climbers, low-intensity finger flexor training with blood flow restriction yields similar exercise volume to high-intensity training but is perceived as more discomforting and less enjoyable.
Low + BFR offers no tolerability benefit over high-intensity training; challenges its use as a more comfortable low-load option in climbers.
This study compared perceptional and physiological responses of finger flexor exercise performed with free flow and blood flow restriction (BFR). Thirteen male advanced climbers completed three sessions of finger flexor resistance exercise at (1) 40% of MVC (Low) and (2) 75% of MVC (High) and (3) BFR at 40% of MVC (Low + BFR) in a randomized and counterbalanced order. Rate of perceived exertion for effort (RPE) and discomfort (RPD), session pleasure/displeasure (sPDF), exercise enjoyment (EES), lactate concentration and oxygen saturation were recorded after the last set. Both low-intensity sessions induced higher RPD than High (p = 0.018-0.022, ES = 1.01-1.09) and High was perceived as more enjoyable than Low-BFR (p = 0.031, ES = 1.08). No differences were found for RPE or sPDF (p = 0.132-0.804). Lactate was elevated more after High than the Low-sessions (p < 0.001, ES = 1.88-2.08). Capillary oxygen saturation was lower after Low + BFR compared to the other sessions (p = 0.031, ES = 1.04-1.27). Finally, the exercise volume was greater in Low compared to High (p = 0.022, ES = 1.14) and Low + BFR (p = 0.020, ES = 0.77). In conclusion, among advanced male climbers, performing Low + BFR led to a similar exercise volume but was perceived as more discomforting and less enjoyable compared to High. The Low session yielded similar responses as the Low + BFR but required a much greater exercise volume.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Andersen et al. (2023) conducted an RCT in Healthy advanced climbers (n=13). Low-intensity finger flexor resistance training with blood flow restriction vs. High-intensity (75% MVC) and low-intensity (40% MVC) training without blood flow restriction was evaluated on Rate of perceived discomfort (RPD) (r = 0.66, p=0.018). Low-intensity finger flexor training with blood flow restriction led to similar exercise volume but was perceived as significantly more discomforting (median RPD 9 vs 6) and less enjoyable compared to high-intensity training.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: