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Can anaerobic performance be improved by remote ischemic preconditioning?
François Lalonde1, Daniel Y Curnier
11Department of Kinesiology, University of Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada; 2University of Montréal Hospital Research Centre (CRCHUM), Quebec, Canada; and 3Laboratory of Pathophysiology of Exercise (LPEX), Department of Kinesiology University de Montréal, Quebec, Canada.
Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
|July 29, 2014
Summary
Remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) did not significantly improve anaerobic athletic performance in healthy individuals. This study found no performance benefits from RIPC in tests of alactic and lactic anaerobic capacity.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) is known for cardiac protection during surgery.
- Emerging research suggests RIPC may enhance sports performance.
- The impact of RIPC on anaerobic capacity remains under investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of RIPC on anaerobic performance in healthy, active individuals.
- To determine if RIPC can enhance alactic and lactic anaerobic power output.
Main Methods:
- Seventeen healthy participants completed a crossover trial with either RIPC or a SHAM intervention.
- RIPC involved four 5-minute cycles of ischemia-reperfusion.
- Anaerobic performance was assessed using a 6-second sprint and a Wingate test on an ergometer.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were observed in peak power (794W RIPC vs. 777W control) or average power (529W RIPC vs. 520W control) during the Wingate test.
- Perceived exertion was not significantly different between RIPC and control groups (9/10 vs. 10/10 Borg scale).
- Key performance metrics including fatigue index and power-to-weight ratios showed no significant improvements with RIPC.
Conclusions:
- Remote ischemic preconditioning does not appear to provide significant benefits for anaerobic performance in healthy, physically active individuals.
- Further research is needed to explore potential benefits of RIPC in different populations or for different types of exercise.
- The current findings do not support the use of RIPC for enhancing short-term, high-intensity exercise capacity.
