Low-load blood flow restriction improved jump height (+3.4%) and sprint time (-0.8%) more than heavy-load training in basketball players, using a 3.6-fold lower mechanical load.
Does low-load blood flow restriction with elastic bands improve sprint and jump performance compared to heavy-load training in in-season collegiate basketball players?
Low-load blood flow restriction training is more effective than heavy-load training for optimizing power and speed while sparing mechanical load in elite basketball players during a congested season.
Absolute Event Rate: 0% vs 0%
This study compared low-load blood flow restriction with elastic bands (BFR-EBT) versus heavy-load training (HL-EBT) on performance in 18 Division I basketball players during a competitive season. Participants performed back squats twice weekly for 8 weeks at ~30% 1RM (BFR-EBT) or ~75% 1RM (HL-EBT). Significant Group × Time interactions were observed for CMJ height (p=0.031) and 30-m sprint time (p=0.014). BFR-EBT significantly optimized CMJ height (+3.4%; Hedges' g = 1.50) and sprint time (-0.8%; Hedges' g = -3.80). HL-EBT showed non-significant changes in CMJ (+1.8%) and sprint speed (+0.2%). Both groups achieved similar 1RM strength gains (p>0.05). Notably, BFR-EBT adaptations occurred with a 3.6-fold lower mechanical training load (p<0.001). Covariate analysis confirmed results were independent of playing time. Low-load BFR-EBT appears more effective than HL-EBT for optimizing power and speed in elite players while sparing mechanical load during a congested season. BFR-EBT represents a viable tool for in-season fatigue management.
He et al. (Mon,) reported a other. Low-load blood flow restriction improved jump height (+3.4%) and sprint time (-0.8%) more than heavy-load training in basketball players, using a 3.6-fold lower mechanical load.