Effect of Training Program with Restricted Venous Blood Flow "KAATSU" Training on Skeletal Muscle (Mass and Size), Strength, Prostaglandins (PGE2) and 400m Sprinting Records

Many studies have shown that intensity resistance training with restricted muscular venous blood flow (KAATSU) causes muscle hypertrophy and strength gain. There are very rare studies were performed on swimmers. Exercise leads to increased circulating prostaglandins, affecting cardio-vascular system, increasing blood flow to all muscles to provide oxygen needed for physical activities. Prostaglandin-E2 (PGE2) is the main prostaglandin for raised blood flow, exerts muscles building and provides oxygen needed for activities. Aim of this study is to investigate the effects of training combined with band restricted blood flow on skeletal muscle (mass and size), strength, Prostaglandins (PGE2) and 400 M sprint records. Material and methods Thirteen healthy athletes performed band blood restriction training with external weight at each hand and each leg, and other ten control healthy athletes performed training with external weight alone. Training was conducted once, 3 days/wk, for 10 wk at (65% - 85%) from the maximum intensity of pulse using polar watch. Plasma PG-E2 and physical parameters were recorded before and after effort before and after program, and compared to each others. Also, Muscle volume and sprinting times were assessed. Results revealed significant differences between control group and experimental group in post exercise plasma PG-E2, and muscle volume. There were significant variations in the sprinting times by (3.48%) after program for the KAATSU group but no difference in (BS). It is concluded that band restricted blood flow causes muscle hyperplasia and hypertrophy.