Event Title

Effects of Low-Load Blood Flow Restriction on Biceps Brachii Strength and Tendon Size

Location

Hager-Lubbers Exhibition Hall

Description

PURPOSE: To determine if Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) with low-load exercise can increase strength and distal biceps tendon size compared to a high-load exercise protocol. SUBJECTS: Twenty-one participants (mean age 20.0 years) were randomized to either BFR + low-load exercise or the control group (high load exercise). METHODS AND MATERIALS: The exercise protocol was 2 sessions per week for 7 weeks. Participants completed a 1 repetition maximum (1RM) at the beginning and end of the protocol and ultrasound measurements of the dominant distal bicep tendon at the beginning, midpoint and end of the training protocol. Participants using BFR performed seated bicep curls with the cuff at the deltoid tuberosity and limb occlusion at medium intensity. Participants performed 4 sets of the exercise of 30, 15, 15, 15 at a weight of 40% of their predicted 1RM. Participants in the high-load group performed 4 sets of 10, 8, 6, 6 at 80% of their predicted 1RM. ANALYSES: ANOVA and repeated measures ANOVA were used to examine 1RM and ultrasound data, respectively. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in muscle strength as measured by 1RM (p=0.003). Pairwise comparisons revealed an increase in tendon size at each data point (pre to mid; mid to post; pre to post) the 7-week training period (p<0.001). There were no group differences in either measure. CONCLUSION: The findings demonstrate that using low-load BFR can elicit similar effects as high-load training for strength gains and increases in tendon thickness. These findings have import for all rehabilitation professionals.

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Apr 12th, 3:00 PM

Effects of Low-Load Blood Flow Restriction on Biceps Brachii Strength and Tendon Size

Hager-Lubbers Exhibition Hall

PURPOSE: To determine if Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) with low-load exercise can increase strength and distal biceps tendon size compared to a high-load exercise protocol. SUBJECTS: Twenty-one participants (mean age 20.0 years) were randomized to either BFR + low-load exercise or the control group (high load exercise). METHODS AND MATERIALS: The exercise protocol was 2 sessions per week for 7 weeks. Participants completed a 1 repetition maximum (1RM) at the beginning and end of the protocol and ultrasound measurements of the dominant distal bicep tendon at the beginning, midpoint and end of the training protocol. Participants using BFR performed seated bicep curls with the cuff at the deltoid tuberosity and limb occlusion at medium intensity. Participants performed 4 sets of the exercise of 30, 15, 15, 15 at a weight of 40% of their predicted 1RM. Participants in the high-load group performed 4 sets of 10, 8, 6, 6 at 80% of their predicted 1RM. ANALYSES: ANOVA and repeated measures ANOVA were used to examine 1RM and ultrasound data, respectively. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in muscle strength as measured by 1RM (p=0.003). Pairwise comparisons revealed an increase in tendon size at each data point (pre to mid; mid to post; pre to post) the 7-week training period (p<0.001). There were no group differences in either measure. CONCLUSION: The findings demonstrate that using low-load BFR can elicit similar effects as high-load training for strength gains and increases in tendon thickness. These findings have import for all rehabilitation professionals.