Eccentric Resistance Training With Blood Flow Restriction on Muscle Function

Effects of Blood Flow Restriction During Multiple-joint Eccentric Resistance Training on Muscle Morphology and Function of the Lower Body.

The study will determine the effects of adding blood flow restriction to eccentric training to assess whether this increases the improvements of muscle strength and size.

Subjects will be randomly assigned to two groups: an eccentric only resistance training group or an eccentric training plus blood flow restriction group. Subjects will train at a moderately low intensity on a multiple-joint eccentric device. Those in the blood flow restriction will wear blood flow restriction cuffs on their upper thighs to reduce blood flow during the brief protocol. The training session will occur twice per week and will last ~5 minutes, including a one minute warm up, a one minute cool down and a three minute workout phase. The training program will last 7 weeks. Testing will be conducted at baseline (following a one session familiarization), 4 weeks and after the end of the 7 week training period. Assessments will focus on muscle strength, function, and morphology (size).

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18-30 years of age
• currently engaged in some form of resistance training between 1-3 times per week
• must have been training aerobically, but no more than 3 hours a week for the past six months

Exclusion Criteria:

• Must not have had any surgery of the lower limbs within the past 1 year period
• Must not have any neuromuscular disorder (e.g., Muscular dystrophy etc.)
• < 76 inches tall (in order to fit on the training machine)
• Maximal strength of < 725 lbs for the eccentric training device
• If any of the subjects are pregnant or plan to be pregnant in the duration of the protocol.

For those randomized to the BFR group, if any of the subject's thighs are too large for the BFR cuffs (greater than 68 cm).