The Acute Impacts of Resistance Training Performed with and without Blood Flow Restriction on Lower Body Muscular Power

International Journal of Exercise Science 16(6): 1320-1333, 2023. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends resistance training using at least 70% one repetition maximum to improve muscular strength and hypertrophy; however, these intensities may not be safe for all populations. A training technique that has been reported to elicit increases in strength and muscle size uses low intensity resistance training or low load training in combination with blood flow restriction (BFR) to the working muscle. Although the acute effects of BFR on muscle strength and size are well established, the effects of BFR on muscular power are not definitively known. Resistance trained males (n = 14) completed three experimental sessions in which lower body power output and vertical jump height were measured pre and post exercise protocol. The barbell back squat was performed with either low load and blood flow restriction, high load (90% 1 RM, HL), or control (CON). A significant mean difference between pre (M = 46.35 ± 5.61 cm) and post (M = 43.63 ± 4.59 cm) vertical jump heights following 15 repetitions at 20% 1 RM with BFR was observed (p = 0.034), but not with HL or a CON. A decrement in vertical jump height was experienced after an acute bout of BFR with low load resistance exercise. Low load resistance exercise with BFR or high intensity resistance exercise may not be beneficial as part of a warm-up to acutely enhance vertical jump or power output.