This randomized controlled trial evaluates the effects of adding blood flow restriction training to regular roller skating training on neuromuscular function under non-fatigued and fatigued conditions, muscle morphology, body composition, physiological responses, lower-limb strength, and roller skating performance in competitive roller skaters.
Thirty participants aged 18 to 25 years will be randomly assigned to either a blood flow restriction training group or a regular training control group. Both groups will complete the same standardized 10-week roller skating training program. The blood flow restriction training group will wear pressure cuffs individualized according to each participant's arterial occlusion pressure during selected training sessions three times per week, while the control group will complete the same training without blood flow restriction.
Before and after the intervention, participants will complete standardized assessments of muscle morphology using musculoskeletal ultrasound, body composition using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and lower-limb strength using handheld dynamometry and one-repetition maximum tests. Physiological responses will be evaluated using blood lactate concentration and heart rate variability. Roller skating performance will be assessed using sprint, repeated-sprint, and endurance skating tests.
Neuromuscular function, jump performance, and balance will also be assessed under both non-fatigued and fatigued conditions. Surface electromyography and force-platform data will be collected simultaneously during selected jump and single-leg balance tasks. The Y-Balance Test will be conducted separately without surface electromyography.
The study aims to determine whether blood flow restriction training improves muscle and neuromuscular adaptations, body composition, strength, physiological responses, and roller skating performance, and whether it helps roller skaters maintain neuromuscular function, jump performance, and balance during fatigue.
Inclusion Criteria:
Aged 18 to 25 years.
Currently active or trained competitive roller skaters with regular roller skating-specific training experience who meet at least one of the following criteria:
In good general health, without known cardiovascular, peripheral vascular, respiratory, neurological, metabolic, or coagulation disorders, a history of thrombosis, severe varicose veins, severe hypertension, or other conditions that may affect the safety of blood flow restriction training or high-intensity exercise testing.
No acute or unresolved chronic injury involving the joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, or bones of the lower limbs, and no clinically significant lower-limb pain that would interfere with roller skating, jumping, or balance testing.
Able to safely complete roller skating-specific testing, jump and balance testing, cycle ergometer-based fatigue induction, and standardized roller skating-specific fatigue induction.
Intact and healthy skin on the thighs, without wounds, infection, skin disease, severe allergy, or other conditions that may interfere with blood flow restriction cuff placement or surface electromyography electrode application.
Stable sleep, training, and recovery status during the week before testing, without evidence of marked fatigue, inadequate recovery, persistent muscle soreness, substantial performance decline, severe sleep insufficiency, or serious psychological distress.
A pain score of 0 to 3 on the Numeric Rating Scale and a pretest rating of perceived exertion of 12 or lower.
No use during the previous week of medications, nutritional supplements, or sports supplements that may affect cardiovascular function, muscle metabolism, blood lactate, heart rate variability, neuromuscular activation, fatigue responses, or exercise performance.
Familiar with the roller skating-specific testing procedures and able to follow all testing and training instructions.
Willing to undergo blood flow restriction training and all required assessments.
Able to understand the study procedures, provide written informed consent, and voluntarily participate.
Exclusion Criteria:
2521151009@sus.edu.cn15906075548
Participants will complete a 10-week standardized roller skating training program. During regular roller skating training, participants will wear blood flow restriction cuffs three times per week for 20 minutes per session. Cuff pressure will be individualized according to each participant's arterial occlusion pressure and progressively increased according to a prespecified protocol: 40% of arterial occlusion pressure during weeks 1-2, 50% during weeks 3-4, and 60% during weeks 5-10. Progression to the next pressure stage will occur only if the participant tolerates the current pressure without excessive discomfort or abnormal responses. Training attendance, heart rate, rating of perceived exertion, pressure-related discomfort, and adverse events will be monitored throughout the intervention.
Participants will complete a 10-week standardized roller skating training program with the same training content, frequency, duration, and monitoring procedures as the experimental group, but without blood flow restriction. Training attendance, heart rate, rating of perceived exertion, discomfort, and adverse events will be monitored throughout the intervention.
chenjiwei1997@126.com15128258772
Effects of Short Duration Blood Flow Restriction Training on Musculoskeletal and Performance Outcomes
Effects of Back Squat Exercise with or Without Blood Flow Restriction in Healthy Adolescent Basketball Athletes
The Effects of the Blood Flow Restriction Method on Performance Parameters in Elite Volleyball Players
High-Load, Low-Load, and Passive Blood Flow Restriction in Competitive Sprinters
Effects Of Blood Flow Restriction Exercise Applications On Physical Fitness Parameters
Effects of Warm-up Intensity and Blood Flow Restriction
Effectiveness of Blood Flow Restriction During Aerobic Cycling
The Impact of Blood Flow Restriction Within Warm-up.