The effects of low-load resistance training with blood flow restriction compared to high-load resistance training on maximum strength and muscle geometry in healthy middleaged individuals: a randomized controlled trial.

The effects of low-load resistance training with blood flow restriction compared to high-load resistance training on maximum strength and muscle geometry in healthy middle-aged individuals: a randomized controlled trial.
Background: Resistance training is integral to maintaining good health. Guidelines often recommend high-load resistance training (HL RT), which places substantial mechanical stress on muscles and tendons. However, for some individuals, less strenuous alternatives may be preferable. Blood flow restriction (BFR) training has emerged as a promising alternative that could offer similar benefits in terms of muscle growth and strength, though research is not yet exhaustive.
Methods: This thesis aimed to compare the effects of low-load BFR training (LL BFRT) and HL RT on maximum strength and muscle geometry. Nine participants were randomized into two groups: LL BFRT (n=3) and HL RT (n=6). The intervention lasted for 8 weeks. Muscle strength and geometry were assessed at baseline (PRE1 and PRE2) and mid-intervention (MID). Outcomes included maximum strength and muscle growth of knee extensors and flexors, assessed using an isokinetic dynamometer, maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), one-repetition maximum (1RM), and anatomical muscle cross-sectional area measured by ultrasound. Statistical analysis was performed using mixed linear models, adjusting for age and gender.
Results: Both groups exhibited significant increases in leg press isokinetic values, MVC, 1RM leg flexion, and 1RM leg extension. Analysis indicated significant effects of time and group, but no significant interaction effects between time and group.
Conclusions: LL BFRT provided muscle strength gains comparable to HL RT in this study. However, due to the small sample size, conclusions regarding muscle growth were inconclusive. Future research with larger sample sizes is needed to confirm these findings and explore additional effects, such as on muscle geometry.