Effects of isometric training with and without blood flow restriction on handgrip strength in adults
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55040/nr72pm02Keywords:
vascular resistance, dose–response relationship, muscle strength, metabolic stress, exerciseAbstract
Handgrip strength is a marker of health and performance, with prospective associations with mortality. Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) training allows for the induction of adaptations with low mechanical stress; however, its added effect on isometric hand/forearm tasks is uncertain and may depend on load prescription. The study's objective was to evaluate the effects of a six-week isometric program with and without BFR on handgrip strength. A 6-week clinical trial (3 sessions/week) was conducted in 18 physically active males aged 20 to 40 years, assigned to training with BFR (n=10) and without BFR (n=8). Volume and effort were kept constant between groups. The dependent variable was maximal grip strength (dynamometry). Data were analysed using mixed linear models with group, time, and their interaction effects. The results showed that both groups improved after the intervention, with no evidence of additional benefit with BFR (group × time not significant; difference in differences = 0.56 kgf, 95% CI −2.09 to 3.21). Although the BFR group showed higher absolute values at Pre and Post-intervention (difference in Post-intervention 8.07 kgf; 95% CI 0.12–16.02), the change trajectories were parallel. The hand effect was small (~1.9 kgf) and not significant, with no interactions. Conclusion: In active males, a six-week isometric program improves handgrip, but adding BFR does not provide an additional gain with the exercise prescription used.
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