The Effects of the Blood Flow Restriction Method on Performance Parameters in Elite Volleyball Players

This study aims to investigate the effects of jump squat exercises performed with the blood flow restriction (BFR) method on jump performance, agility, balance, and perceived fatigue in volleyball players. The effectiveness of the BFR method on these performance parameters was evaluated in comparison to classical training methods.

The study was conducted on 22 male volleyball players actively training at Süreyyapaşa Sports Club, who had similar age and training backgrounds. Participants were randomly assigned into two equal groups of 11: the experimental group (BFR group), which performed jump squats with blood flow restriction, and the control group, which performed the same exercises without restriction.

All participants followed the same exercise protocol for four weeks, training three times per week. Before each training session, a standardized warm-up routine including dynamic stretching, mobility, and general activation exercises was applied. Following the warm-up, participants performed jump squat exercises in 3 sets of 10 repetitions. In the BFR group, a manually adjustable, non-automated tourniquet device was applied to the proximal region of both thighs during the exercise. This partially maintained arterial flow while restricting venous return, thereby creating a hypoxic environment in the target muscles. No tourniquet was used in the control group.

Pre- and post-intervention assessments were performed using the following measurement tools:

Jump performance was measured using the Optojump system to assess vertical jump height.

Agility was assessed with the Hexagon Agility Test.

Balance was evaluated using the Y Balance Test, targeting lower extremity stability.

Perceived fatigue was recorded using the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale.

The aim of this study was to comparatively evaluate the performance outcomes of jump squat exercises with and without BFR in trained volleyball players. Data were statistically analyzed to determine whether the inclusion of BFR provided measurable benefits in terms of explosive strength, agility, balance, and fatigue. The findings of this study are expected to contribute to the development of safer and more effective training protocols for improving athletic performance.

This research was approved by the Üsküdar University Non-Interventional Research Ethics Committee. All measurement and test devices used in the study were provided by Bahçeşehir University. The training sessions were carried out using the infrastructure of the Süreyyapaşa Sports Club.

Inclusion criteria

• Male volleyball players aged 18 to 25
• Playing volleyball regularly for at least 3 years
• No musculoskeletal injury in the past 6 months
• Physically capable of completing the training and testing protocol
• Willing to participate and having signed the informed consent form

Exclusion criteria

• History of serious musculoskeletal injury or surgical intervention in the past 6 months
• Presence of chronic diseases (e.g., cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, joint disorders)
• Physical or psychological conditions that may prevent safe participation during exercise
• Inability to adhere to the exercise protocol throughout the study
• Presence of any contraindication to blood flow restriction training, including:

Smoking,History of venous thromboembolism,Risk of peripheral vascular disease (Ankle-Brachial Index < 0.9),Body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m²