Isokinetic Training Combined with Blood Flow Restriction on Muscle Strength and Endurance

The Effect of 8-week Isokinetic Training Combined with Blood Flow Restriction on Muscle Strength and Endurance in Runners

Evidence regarding the effectiveness of blood flow restriction during isokinetic exercises is insufficient. When the literature is reviewed, it is seen that there are very few studies investigating the effect of isokinetic training program with blood flow restriction on muscle strength and endurance in healthy athletes. In line with this information, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of an 8-week isokinetic training program combined with blood flow restriction on knee flexor and extensor maximal muscle strength and endurance in runners.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of lower extremity isokinetic training combined with blood flow restriction (BFR) on knee flexor and extensor muscle strength and endurance in runners. A total of 42 runners were randomly assigned to either the isokinetic training group with blood flow restriction (BFR Group; n= 21) or the isokinetic training group without blood flow restriction (Control Group; n= 21). For the BFR, the occlusion pressure was set to 80% of arterial occlusion pressure as determined. The isokinetic training protocol for the knee flexor and extensor muscles consisted of 3 sets of 10 repetitions in 60°/sec and 3 sets of 30 repetitions in 180°/sec for 8 weeks, 2 times per week for 16 sessions. The muscle strength and endurance were evaluated before and after the training program using an isokinetic dynamometer.

Inclusion Criteria: the absence of heart disease, arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus or any musculoskeletal condition of the lower extremities that precluded participation in the recommended training protocols and testing, no use of any dietary supplements during the study and for at least 2 months prior to the study and running more than 20 kilometers per week.

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Exclusion Criteria: Age <20 or >40, history of cardiac disease, history of heart failure, history of coronary artery disease, history of peripheral artery disease, presence/history of varicose veins, history of hypertension, history of diabetes mellitus, history of pulmonary disease, history of pulmonary embolism, history of hematological disease, history of previous deep vein thrombosis, pregnancy, use of oral contraceptives, use of anticoagulants, history of previous surgery in the lower extremity, body mass index >25, history of cancer, presence of lymphedema, history of lymphadenectomy, history of trauma in the lower extremity within the last 6 months or 1 year.

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