Repeated-sprint training with blood-flow restriction yielded similar improvements in mean power output (+4.1%) to unrestricted training, despite lower external loads (-14.5%; P=0.001).
Does repeated-sprint training with blood-flow restriction improve repeated-sprint ability and physiological adaptations compared to unrestricted training in adult male team-sport players?
Repeated-sprint training with blood-flow restriction yields similar performance and physiological adaptations as unrestricted training, despite lower external training loads.
PURPOSE: This study examined performance and physiological adaptations following 3 weeks of repeated-sprint training (RST) with blood-flow restriction (BFR) or without (non-BFR). METHODS: Twenty-six semiprofessional and amateur adult male team-sport players were assessed for repeated-sprint ability, anaerobic capacity, leg lean mass, neuromuscular function, and maximal aerobic capacity before and after RST. Participants completed 9 cycling RST sessions (3 sets of 5-7 × 5-s sprints, 25-s passive recovery, 3-min rest) over a 3-week period with BFR or non-BFR. RESULTS: During RST sessions, the BFR group demonstrated lower mean power output compared with non-BFR (-14.5%; g = 1.48; P = .001). Significant improvements (P .05) were observed for maximal isometric voluntary contraction and maximal aerobic capacity. Peak rate of force development decreased (P = .003) in both groups following RST (-14.6%; g = 0.65), without any between-groups differences. CONCLUSIONS: Repeated-sprint ability, anaerobic capacity, leg lean mass, and peak aerobic power improved following 3 weeks of RST; however, the addition of BFR did not further enhance adaptations. Interestingly, comparable improvements were achieved between groups despite lower external loads experienced during RST sessions with BFR.
McKee et al. (Thu,) conducted a other in Semiprofessional and amateur team-sport players (n=26). Repeated-sprint training with blood-flow restriction vs. Repeated-sprint training without blood-flow restriction was evaluated on Mean power output during repeated-sprint ability. Repeated-sprint training with blood-flow restriction yielded similar improvements in mean power output (+4.1%) to unrestricted training, despite lower external loads (-14.5%; P=0.001).