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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2018 Sep;21(9):969-974.
doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2018.01.013. Epub 2018 Apr 9.

Acute physiological responses to low-intensity blood flow restriction cycling

H J Thomas  1 , B R Scott  2 , J J Peiffer  2
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Acute physiological responses to low-intensity blood flow restriction cycling

H J Thomas et al. J Sci Med Sport. 2018 Sep.

Abstract

Objectives: Blood flow restriction (BFR) during interval cycling may stimulate aerobic and anaerobic adaptations. However, acute physiological responses to BFR interval cycling have not been extensively investigated.

Design: Eighteen males completed low-intensity (LI), low-intensity with BFR (LIBFR) and high-intensity (HI) interval cycling sessions in randomised and counterbalanced order. These included a standardised warm-up and three two-min intervals interspersed with two-min recovery. Interval intensity during HI, LI and LIBFR were 85%, 40% and 40% of peak power output obtained during graded exercise tests.

Methods: During LIBFR, 80% arterial occlusion was applied to both legs during the interval efforts and removed during recovery. Continuous measures of heart rate (HR), cardiac output (CO) and oxygen consumption (V˙O2) were recorded. Blood pressure (BP) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured following intervals. Blood lactate concentration was measured pre- and post-exercise.

Results: BP, HR, CO, V˙O2, lactate and RPE were greatest during HI. During the active intervals, BP, HR and CO were greater during LIBFR than LI. V˙O2 during recovery periods were greater in LIBFR than LI. Post-session lactate was greater during LIBFR than LI. Importantly, mean arterial pressure during interval three was significantly greater in LIBFR (124±2mmHg) than HI (114±3mmHg).

Conclusions: LIBFR increases cardiovascular and metabolic stress compared with LI and could provide an alternative aerobic training method for individuals unable to perform high-intensity exercise. However, increases in mean arterial pressure during LIBFR indicates high myocardial workload, and practitioners should therefore use caution if prescribing LIBFR for vascular compromised individuals.

Keywords: Aerobic capacity; Aerobic exercise; Anaerobic capacity; Blood pressure; Cardiac output; Intermittent exercise.

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