Comparison of acute hematologic responses of blood flow restriction training and resistance training in male fitness atheletes

Abstract

BACKGROUND: High-intensity resistance training (HIRT) is recommended by The American College of Sports Medicine to improve muscle strength and hypertrophy. However, HIRT is not suitable for a significant portion of the population. If low-intensity resistance training (LIRT) is combined with blood flow restriction (BFR), it can improve muscle strength and hypertrophy and give similar results with HIRT. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of HIRT and BFR+LIRT training methods on hematological parameters after training and 24 hours after training. METHODS: Thirteen men who have been active fitness atheletes for at least 1 year voluntarily participated in the research. Participants applied adaptation training, HIRT and LIRT+BFR, respectively, on 3 separate days. LIRT+BFR trainings were applied with 30-15-15-15 repetitions at an intensity of 30% of 1 maximum repetition (1 RM), and HIRT at an intensity of 70-72.5-75% of 1 RM with 3 sets * 10 repetitions with one-minute intervals. A metronome was used to control muscle actions in 2 seconds concentric and 2 seconds eccentric. Venous blood was taken at the 0th minute before the training, immediately after the training and 24 hours after the training. RESULTS: When the two training methods are compared; no statistical difference was found in WBC, NEUT, LYMPH, MONO, IG, %NEUT, %LYMPH, %MONO, %IG, RBC, HGB, %HCT, PLT, MCV, %MacroR, %MicroR, MPV and PLCR parameters (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, LIRT+BFR seems to be a good alternative to HIRT, which gives similar results with HIRT, but puts less load on the joints and causes less pain and trauma due to exercise.