The effect of interval training combined with thigh cuffs pressure on maximal and submaximal exercise performance

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of interval training combined with a thigh cuffs pressure of +90 mmHg on maximal and submaximal cycling performance. Twenty untrained individuals were assigned either to a control (CON) or to an experimental (CUFF) training group. Both groups trained 3 days per week for 6 weeks at the same relative intensity; each training session consisted of 2-min work bout at 90% of VO(2max): 2-min active recovery bout at 50% of VO(2max). An incremental exercise test to exhaustion, a 6-min constant-power test at 80% of VO(2max) (Sub(80)) and a maximal constant-power test to exhaustion (TF(150)) were performed pre- and post-training. Despite the unchanged VO(2max), both groups significantly increased peak power output (CON: ∼12%, CUFF: ∼20%) that was accompanied by higher deoxygenation (ΔStO(2)) measured with near-infrared muscle spectroscopy. These changes were more pronounced in the CUFF group. Moreover, both groups reduced VO(2) during the Sub(80) test without concomitant changes in ΔStO(2). TF(150) was enhanced in both groups. Thus, an interval exercise training protocol under moderate restricted blood flow conditions does not provide any additive effect on maximal and submaximal cycling performance. However, it seems to induce peripheral muscular adaptations, despite the lower absolute training intensity.