Impact of 8 weeks of repeated ischemic preconditioning on running performance

To examine if repeated exposure to IPC treatment prior to training sessions improves oxygen uptake and 1-km running performance in highly trained middle-distance runners.

Fourteen highly trained endurance runners (11 male/3 female, 19 ± 2 years, 64 ± 5 ml kg^-1 min^-1) completed a baseline maximal oxygen consumption ([Formula: see text]) test and 1-km running performance test before random assignment to an IPC or control group. Both groups were prescribed identical endurance training over an 8-week varsity season; however, the IPC group performed an IPC protocol (5 min ischemia, repeated 3 times, each separated by 5 min reperfusion) before every training session. After 8 weeks of training, participants completed a follow-up [Formula: see text] test and 1-km time trial.

[Formula: see text] did not increase from baseline in either group following the 8-week training bout (P = 0.2), and neither group varied more than the other ([Formula: see text] = IPC 0.6 ± 2 ml kg^-1 min^-1; control 1.5 ± 2 ml kg^-1 min^-1, P = 0.6) or beyond typical measurement error. The IPC decreased 1-km time trial time by 0.4% (0.5 ± 2 s), while the control group decreased by 1% (1.5 ± 3 s), but neither change was significant compared to baseline (P = 0.2). There was also no difference in time trial improvement between IPC and control (P = 0.6). However, there was a trend towards IPC significantly improving running economy at low intensity (P = 0.057).

Our data suggest that over a normal 8-week season in a population of highly trained middle-distance runners there is no benefit of undergoing chronic, repeated IPC treatments before training for augmenting maximal aerobic power or 1-km performance time.