Effect of different load during eccentric training with blood flow restriction on muscle size, strength, and motor performance: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Abstract Background studies on eccentric training with blood flow restriction (BFR) still has gaps, especially in strength and muscle hypertrophy. Therefore, the objective of the study was analyzed and compare the effects of six weeks of eccentric training of knee extensors at different load associated or not with BFR on strength, hypertrophy, and motor performance of knee extensors. Methods 61 men performed six weeks of quadriceps muscle eccentric training in isokinetic dynamometer were randomized into four groups: high-load eccentric training with BFR (HLET-BFR), low-load eccentric training with BFR (LLET-BFR), high-load eccentric training (HLET) and low-load eccentric training (LLET). The strength, muscle structure and motor performance outcomes were evaluated at baseline, after 3 and 6 weeks of training. Results for eccentric peak torque in the first three weeks, HLET was superior to LLET, but similar to LLET-BFR. In the final three weeks, superiority was observed in relation to LLET-BFR; however, there was no difference in relation to HIET-BFR. For the outcomes isometric and concentric peak torque, muscle structure and motor performance, there were no differences between groups. Conclusion eccentric training led to strengthening of knee extensors and improved motor performance, but without altering the muscle structure. LLET-BFR promoted gains similar to HLET in the first three weeks of training.