Blood flow restriction during self-paced aerobic intervals reduces mechanical and cardiovascular demands without modifying neuromuscular fatigue

• Published in: European journal of sport science 2023-05, Vol.23 (5), p.755-765
• Main Authors: Smith, Nathan D. W., Girard, Olivier, Scott, Brendan R., Peiffer, Jeremiah J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: central fatigue; Electromyography; endurance cyclists; high-intensity interval training; Humans; Muscle Fatigue - physiology; Muscle, Skeletal - physiology; Oxygen; peripheral fatigue; Regional Blood Flow - physiology; Vascular occlusion
• ISSN: 1746-1391; 1536-7290
• DOI: 10.1080/17461391.2022.2062056

This study examined cardiovascular, perceptual and neuromuscular fatigue characteristics during and after cycling intervals with and without blood flow restriction (BFR). Fourteen endurance cyclists/triathletes completed four 4-minute self-paced aerobic cycling intervals at the highest sustainable intensity, with and without intermittent BFR (60% of arterial occlusion pressure). Rest interval durations were six, four and four minutes, respectively. Power output, cardiovascular demands and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were averaged over each interval. Knee extension torque and vastus lateralis electromyography responses following electrical stimulation of the femoral nerve were recorded pre-exercise, post-interval one (+1, 2 and 4-minutes) and post-interval four (+1, 2, 4, 6 and 8-minutes). Power output during BFR intervals was lower than non-BFR (233 ± 54 vs 282 ± 60 W, p