Effects of Blood Flow Restriction vs. High-Load Resistance Training on Arm Strength

his interventional study was designed to compare the effects of low-load blood flow restriction resistance training (LL-BFRT) and high-load resistance training (HL-RT) on arm muscle strength and isokinetic contraction parameters in healthy individuals.

A total of 22 healthy young adults were prospectively assigned to either a low-load BFRT group or a high-load resistance training group. The intervention lasted 7 weeks. The low-load BFRT group performed resistance exercises at 30% of one-repetition maximum (1RM) combined with individualized blood flow restriction pressure, while the high-load group trained at 70% of 1RM without blood flow restriction.

Primary outcome measures included isokinetic peak torque values of the elbow flexors and extensors. Secondary outcomes included muscle strength assessments. All participants completed pre-intervention and post-intervention evaluations.

The study aimed to determine whether low-load BFRT can induce strength and performance adaptations comparable to traditional high-load resistance training, offering an alternative training strategy when high mechanical loads are not desirable.

Inclusion criteria

• Healthy individuals between the ages of 18 and 40
• Individuals not taking any dietary supplements
• Individuals not taking a substance containing anabolic ingredients
• Individuals subjected to a resistance training program for at least 6 months
• Individuals not performing aerobic training for more than 30 minutes per day
• Individuals training with a personal trainer

Exclusion criteria

• Individuals with a skeletal muscle injury in the last 6 months
• Individuals who have undergone a surgical operation
• Individuals with chronic high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease
• Individuals who miss three consecutive training sessions
• Individuals with chronic cardiovascular disease