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Thompson KMA, Pethick WA, Clarke J, Winegarden A, Johnson E, Coates AM, Stellingwerff T, Burr JF. Blood Flow-Restricted Training and Time Trial Performance: A Cohort Study of World-Class Rowers. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2024; 56:1606-1614. [PMID: 38619968 DOI: 10.1249/mss.0000000000003459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study aimed to explore the potential impact of incorporating blood flow restriction (BFR) training within a training block characterized by minimal high-intensity work on 2000-m rowing ergometer time trial (TT) performance in elite/world-class rowers. Physiological markers often associated with endurance performance (maximal aerobic capacity, V̇O 2max ; blood lactate thresholds and hemoglobin mass, Hb mass ) were measured to determine whether changes are related to an improvement in performance. METHODS Using a quasi-experimental, observational study design (no control group), 2000-m TT performance, V̇O 2max , submaximal work rates eliciting blood lactate concentrations of ~2 and ~4 mmol·L -1 , and Hb mass were measured before and after 4 wk of noncompetitive season training, which included BFR rowing. BFR training consisted of 11 sessions of 2 × 10 min of BFR rowing at a workload equating to blood lactate concentrations of ~2 mmol·L -1 . Paired t -tests were used to compare pre-/postvalues, and Pearson correlation was used to examine whether physiological changes were associated with changes to TT performance. RESULTS TT performance improved in both female (1.09% ± 1.2%, ~4.6 ± 5.2 s; P < 0.01) and male (1.17% ± 0.48%, ~4.5 ± 1.9 s; P < 0.001) athletes. V̇O 2max increased in female rowers only ( P < 0.01), but both sexes had an increase in work rates eliciting blood lactate concentrations of 2 mmol·L -1 (female: 184 ± 16 to 195 ± 15 W, P < 0.01; male: 288 ± 23 to 317 ± 26 W, P = 0.04) and 4 mmol·L -1 (female: 217 ± 13 to 227 ± 14 W, P = 0.02; male: 339 ± 43 to 364 ± 39 W, P < 0.01). No changes in Hb mass (both sexes, P = 0.8) were observed. Improvements in TT performance were not related to physiological changes (all correlations P ≥ 0.2). CONCLUSIONS After 4 wk of training with BFR, the improvement in TT performance was greater than what is typical for this population. Physiological variables improved during this training block but did not explain improved TT performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle M A Thompson
- Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, CANADA
| | - Wendy A Pethick
- Canadian Sport Institute-Pacific, Victoria, British Columbia, CANADA
| | - Jordan Clarke
- Rowing Canada Aviron National Training Centre, North Cowichan, British Columbia, CANADA
| | - Anneke Winegarden
- Canadian Sport Institute-Pacific, Victoria, British Columbia, CANADA
| | - Elizabeth Johnson
- Canadian Sport Institute-Pacific, Victoria, British Columbia, CANADA
| | - Alexandra M Coates
- Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, CANADA
| | | | - Jamie F Burr
- Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, CANADA
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Hughes L, Hackney KJ, Patterson SD. Optimization of Exercise Countermeasures to Spaceflight Using Blood Flow Restriction. Aerosp Med Hum Perform 2022; 93:32-45. [PMID: 35063054 DOI: 10.3357/amhp.5855.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: During spaceflight missions, astronauts work in an extreme environment with several hazards to physical health and performance. Exposure to microgravity results in remarkable deconditioning of several physiological systems, leading to impaired physical condition and human performance, posing a major risk to overall mission success and crew safety. Physical exercise is the cornerstone of strategies to mitigate physical deconditioning during spaceflight. Decades of research have enabled development of more optimal exercise strategies and equipment onboard the International Space Station. However, the effects of microgravity cannot be completely ameliorated with current exercise countermeasures. Moreover, future spaceflight missions deeper into space require a new generation of spacecraft, which will place yet more constraints on the use of exercise by limiting the amount, size, and weight of exercise equipment and the time available for exercise. Space agencies are exploring ways to optimize exercise countermeasures for spaceflight, specifically exercise strategies that are more efficient, require less equipment, and are less time-consuming. Blood flow restriction exercise is a low intensity exercise strategy that requires minimal equipment and can elicit positive training benefits across multiple physiological systems. This method of exercise training has potential as a strategy to optimize exercise countermeasures during spaceflight and reconditioning in terrestrial and partial gravity environments. The possible applications of blood flow restriction exercise during spaceflight are discussed herein.Hughes L, Hackney KJ, Patterson SD. Optimization of exercise countermeasures to spaceflight using blood flow restriction. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2021; 93(1):32-45.
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Behringer M, Willberg C. Application of Blood Flow Restriction to Optimize Exercise Countermeasures for Human Space Flight. Front Physiol 2019; 10:33. [PMID: 30740059 PMCID: PMC6355682 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years there has been a strong increase in publications on blood flow restriction (BFR) training. In particular, the fact that this type of training requires only low resistance to induce muscle strength and mass gains, makes BFR training interesting for athletes and scientists alike. For the same reason this type of training is particularly interesting for astronauts working out in space. Lower resistance during training would have the advantage of reducing the risk of strain-induced injuries. Furthermore, strength training with lower resistances would have implications for the equipment required for training under microgravity conditions, as significantly lower resistances have to be provided by the training machines. Even though we are only about to understand the effects of blood flow restriction on exercise types other than low-intensity strength training, the available data indicate that BFR of leg muscles is also able to improve the training effects of walking or running at slow speeds. The underlying mechanisms of BFR-induced functional and structural adaptations are still unclear. An essential aspect seems to be the premature fatigue of Type-I muscle fibers, which requires premature recruitment of Type-II muscle fibers to maintain a given force output. Other theories assume that cell swelling, anabolic hormones, myokines and reactive oxygen species are involved in the mediation of BFR training-related effects. This review article is intended to summarize the main advantages and disadvantages, but also the potential risks of such training for astronauts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Behringer
- Institute of Sports Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Christina Willberg
- Institute of Sports Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
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Bazgir B, Rezazadeh Valojerdi M, Rajabi H, Fathi R, Ojaghi SM, Emami Meybodi MK, Neto GR, Rahimi M, Asgari A. Acute Cardiovascular and Hemodynamic Responses to Low Intensity Eccentric Resistance Exercise with Blood Flow Restriction. Asian J Sports Med 2017; 7:e38458. [PMID: 28144415 PMCID: PMC5259684 DOI: 10.5812/asjsm.38458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2016] [Revised: 08/02/2016] [Accepted: 08/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recently it has been suggested that low intensity (LI) resistance exercise (RE) alone or in combination with blood flow restriction (BFR) can be applied for cardiovascular function improvement or rehabilitation. OBJECTIVES The aim of the present study was to investigate the acute effects of LI eccentric RE with and without BFR on heart rate (HR), rate pressure product (RPP), blood pressure (BP) parameters [systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressure (MAP)], oxygen saturation (SpO2) and rate of perceived exertion (RPE). METHODS In a semi-experimental study 16 young adults (26.18 ± 3.67 years) volunteered and performed LI (30% maximum voluntary contraction) eccentric RE alone or combined with BFR. RESULTS The results indicated that HR, RPP, and RPE increased significantly within both groups (P < 0.05); SBP and DBP increased significantly only with BFR (P < 0.05); MAP increased significantly during exercise without BFR (P < 0.05); and no change was observed in SpO2 in either groups (P > 0.05). Furthermore, studied parameters did not vary amongst different groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS It is concluded that LI eccentric RE with BFR positively regulated the hemodynamic and cardiovascular responses. Therefore, the eccentric RE combined with BFR seems to be a good option for future studies with the aim of time efficacy, since it alters these parameters within normal values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behzad Bazgir
- Exercise Physiology Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
- Department of Embryology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Mojtaba Rezazadeh Valojerdi
- Department of Embryology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, IR Iran
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Hamid Rajabi
- Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Rouhollah Fathi
- Department of Embryology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, IR Iran
| | | | | | - Gabriel R. Neto
- Department of Physical Education, Associate Graduate Program in Physical Education UPE / UFPB, Joao Pessoa, Paraiba, Brazil
| | - Mostafa Rahimi
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Human Science Faculty, University of Kashan, Kashan, IR Iran
| | - Alireza Asgari
- Exercise Physiology Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
- Aerospace and Subaquatic Medicine Faculty, Aerospace Medicine Research Center, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
- Corresponding author: Alireza Asgari, Aerospace and Subaquatic Medicine Faculty, Aerospace Medicine Research Center, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran. Tel: +98-2188600030, E-mail:
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Hackney KJ, Everett M, Scott JM, Ploutz-Snyder L. Blood flow-restricted exercise in space. EXTREME PHYSIOLOGY & MEDICINE 2012; 1:12. [PMID: 23849078 PMCID: PMC3710201 DOI: 10.1186/2046-7648-1-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2012] [Accepted: 09/05/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Prolonged exposure to microgravity results in chronic physiological adaptations including skeletal muscle atrophy, cardiovascular deconditioning, and bone demineralization. To attenuate the negative consequences of weightlessness during spaceflight missions, crewmembers perform moderate- to high-load resistance exercise in conjunction with aerobic (cycle and treadmill) exercise. Recent evidence from ground-based studies suggests that low-load blood flow-restricted (BFR) resistance exercise training can increase skeletal muscle size, strength, and endurance when performed in a variety of ambulatory populations. This training methodology couples a remarkably low exercise training load (approximately 20%-50% one repetition maximum (1RM)) with an inflated external cuff (width, ranging between approximately 30-90 mm; pressure, ranging between approximately 100-250 mmHg) that is placed around the exercising limb. BFR aerobic (walking and cycling) exercise training methods have also recently emerged in an attempt to enhance cardiovascular endurance and functional task performance while incorporating minimal exercise intensity. Although both forms of BFR exercise training have direct implications for individuals with sarcopenia and dynapenia, the application of BFR exercise training during exposure to microgravity to prevent deconditioning remains controversial. The aim of this review is to present an overview of BFR exercise training and discuss the potential usefulness of this method as an adjunct exercise countermeasure during prolonged spaceflight. The work will specifically emphasize ambulatory BFR exercise training adaptations, mechanisms, and safety and will provide directions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle J Hackney
- Wyle Science, Technology and Engineering Group, Houston, TX 77002, USA
| | | | - Jessica M Scott
- Universities Space Research Association, Houston, TX, 77002, USA
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Loenneke J, Abe T, Wilson J, Thiebaud R, Fahs C, Rossow L, Bemben M. Blood flow restriction: An evidence based progressive model (Review). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 99:235-50. [DOI: 10.1556/aphysiol.99.2012.3.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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