Blood flow restriction augments the cross-education effect of isometric handgrip training
In this study, Dr Loennekes lab investigated the cross-education of strength following isometric handgrip exercise with and without blood flow restriction. In the trained arm, muscle strength increased the most following high-force contractions, followed by low-force contractions in combination with blood flow restriction. Interestingly, low-force contractions with blood flow restriction was the only group that observed a cross-education of strength. For paper access click here
Individuals Can Be Taught to Sense the Degree of Vascular Occlusion: Implications for Practical Blood Flow Restriction
This study Dr Loennekes lab investigated whether individuals could be taught to “sense the pressure” applied to their limb. We provided the pressure stimulus multiple times to the participants to try and teach them how a certain pressure should feel. We found that individuals could be taught to sense relative pressure, which could be a potential means of pressure application for those individuals using practical blood flow restriction. However, this effect only lasted for a short time period. Additional work is necessary to refine the conditioning method to extend the duration of this conditioning effect. To access this paper click here
Blood flow restriction augments exercise-induced pressure pain thresholds over repetition and effort matched conditions
In this study, Dr Loennekes lab investigated whether submaximal resistance exercise with blood flow restriction could augment exercise-induced hypoalgesia. The only difference between conditions was the pressure applied. We observed that 2 sets of submaximal exercise with blood flow restriction was able to provide an increase in pressure pain threshold. However, this exercise did not influence ischemic pain sensitivity. For full study access click here
BFR Training and Cycling Performance
Check out an update on some of the latest work from Dr Burrs lab on BFR training and cycling performance. Check out the video below: