Low-load resistance training promotes muscular adaptation regardless of vascular occlusion, load, or volume

This study investigates the impact of two different intensities and different volumes of low-load resistance training (LLRT) with and without blood flow restriction on the adaptation of muscle strength and size.

The sample was divided into five groups: one set of 20 % of one repetition maximum (1RM), three sets of 20 % of 1RM, one set of 50 % of 1RM, three sets of 50 % of 1RM, or control. LLRT was performed with (OC) or without (NOC) vascular occlusion, which was selected randomly for each subject. The maximal muscle strength (leg extension; 1RM) and the cross-sectional area (quadriceps; CSA) were assessed at baseline and after 8 weeks of LLRT.

1RM performance was increased in both groups after 8 weeks of training: OC (1 × 50 % = 20.6 %; 3 × 50 % = 20.9 %; 1 × 20 % = 26.6 %; 3 × 20 % = 21.6 %) and NOC (1 × 50 % = 18.6 %; 3 × 50 % = 26.8 %; 1 × 20 % = 18.5 %; 3 × 20 % = 21.6 %; 3 × 20 % = 24.7 %) compared with the control group (-1.7 %). Additionally, the CSA was increased in both groups: OC (1 × 50 % = 2.4 %; 3 × 50 % = 3.8 %; 1 × 20 % = 4.6 %; 3 × 20 % = 4.8 %) and NOC (1 × 50 % = 2.4 %; 3 × 50 % = 1.5 %; 1 × 20 % = 4.3 %; 3 × 20 % = 3.8 %) compared with the control group (-0.7 %). There were no significant differences between the OC and NOC groups.

We conclude that 8 weeks of LLRT until failure in novice young lifters, regardless of occlusion, load or volume, produces similar magnitudes of muscular hypertrophy and strength.