In this post we present the results of a newly published study on the less known health benefits of BFR Training
Clael et al. (2021) explored the effect of a single bout of Blood Flow Restriction Training vs high-load training on blood pressure, lactate, blood glucose and cholesterol. The aim the present study was to verify and compare these effects with and without BFR.
Methods: Sample; 10 healthy recreational bodybuilders and physically active male and females, between 18-30 of age.
Study procedures; cross-over study, all volunteers experienced 1 bout of exercise as Low-load BFR vs No-BFR High-load vs control.
BFR and No-BFR groups performing 4 sets of back squats and 4 sets of biceps curls with 60 seconds inter-set rest, all sets were performed to failure.
The BFR group intensity was set at 20% of 1RM with 100 mmHg across all participants with no mention of cuff width for both exercises. No-BFR group intensity was set at 70% of 1RM.
Outcomes: Systolic and diastolic blood pressure pre-exercise, post-exercise and 15, 30, 45 and 60 min. after (Rec).
Glycemia (blood glucose), total cholesterol and lactate pre-exercise, post-exercise and 15 min. after (Rec15).
Results: Not surprisingly lactate production in the BFR group was significantly higher at Rec15 vs control and No-BFR groups.
Blood glucose in the BFR-group and No-BFR experienced a significant drop from pre-exercise to Rec60.
Total cholesterol remained significantly higher in the BFR-group at Rec15 vs control and No-BFR groups.
Not surprisingly both BFR and No-BFR groups significantly increased systolic blood pressure post-exercise vs pre-exercise, with a subsequent drop at Rec15.
Conclusion: Squat and biceps curl exercises with and without BFR elicit similar changes in hemodynamic variables. Furthermore, training with BFR delays blood lactate removal and promotes an increase in total cholesterol vs No-BFR. It seems that BFR has similar positive effects on glucose, lactate, cholesterol and blood pressure vs high-load training.
Limitations: Arbitrary pressure of 100 mmHg used across the board and body parts. In combination with missing information on the cuff width, these results are hard to extrapolate for future research and practical application.
Source:
Clael et al. (2021) Effects of blood flow restriction in large and small muscle groups.
