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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2020 Jun 30;15(6):e0235377.
doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0235377. eCollection 2020.

Low-intensity blood flow restriction calf muscle training leads to similar functional and structural adaptations than conventional low-load strength training: A randomized controlled trial

Simon Gavanda  1 , Eduard Isenmann  1   2 , Yvonne Schlöder  1 , Roland Roth  2 , Jürgen Freiwald  3 , Thorsten Schiffer  4 , Stephan Geisler  1 , Michael Behringer  5
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Low-intensity blood flow restriction calf muscle training leads to similar functional and structural adaptations than conventional low-load strength training: A randomized controlled trial

Simon Gavanda et al. PLoS One. .

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether a six-week, twice weekly resistance training (4 sets at 30% 1-RM until failure) with practical blood flow restriction (BFR) using 7cm wide cuffs with a twist lock placed below the patella is superior to training without BFR (NoBFR) concerning muscle mass and strength gains in calf muscles. A two-group (BFR n = 12, mean age 27.33 (7.0) years, training experience 7.3 (7.0) years; NoBFR n = 9, mean age 28.9 (7.4) years, training experience 7.1 (6.6) years) randomized matched pair design based on initial 1-RM was used to assess the effects on structural and functional adaptations in healthy males (Perometer calf volume [CV], gastrocnemius muscle thickness using ultrasound [MT], 7-maximal hopping test for leg stiffness [LS], 1-RM smith machine calf raise [1-RM], and visual analogue scale as a measure of pain intensity [VAS]). The mean number of repetitions completed per training session across the intervention period was higher in the NoBFR group compared to the BFR group (70 (16) vs. 52 (9), p = 0.002). VAS measured during the first session increased similarly in both groups from first to fourth set (p<0.001). No group effects or time×group interactions were found for CV, MT, LS, and 1-RM. However, there were significant time effects for MT (BFR +0.07 cm; NoBFR +0.04; p = 0.008), and 1-RM (BFR +40 kg; NoBFR +34 kg; p<0.001). LS and CV remained unchanged through training. VAS in both groups were similar, and BFR and NoBFR were equally effective for increasing 1-RM and MT in trained males. However, BFR was more time efficient, due to lesser repetition per training session.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Figures

Fig 1
Fig 1. Mean values of pain perception using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) from pre-training across four sets of low intensity blood flow restriction (BFR) or low-intensity conventional calf muscle training (NoBFR) until failure.
Error bars represent standard deviations.
Fig 2
Fig 2. Mean and individual changes of M.
gastrocnemius muscle thickness pre and post blood flow restriction (BFR) or unrestricted resistance training (NoBFR). Error bars represent standard deviations.
Fig 3
Fig 3. Mean and individual changes of one-repetition maximum standing calf raise pre- and post blood flow restriction (BFR) or unrestricted resistance training (NoBFR).
Error bars represent standard deviations.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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