Negative effects of blood flow restriction on perceptual responses to walking in healthy young adults: A pilot study

Blood flow restriction (BFR) exercise is recognized as a beneficial strategy in increasing skeletal muscle mass and strength. These positive effects can also be obtained by a mild exercise mode such as walking. However, BFR exacerbates some perceptual responses, such as perceived exertion response, induced by exercise. Despite this knowledge, the negative effects of BFR exercise on major perceptual parameters related to exercise adherence remain unknown. Furthermore, compared with other exercise modes (e.g., resistance exercise), little is known regarding the effects of BFR on perceptual responses to walking. To clarify these issues, we examined the effects of BFR walking on perceptual parameters, including exercise adherence-related parameters.

Eighteen healthy, young males performed both BFR and non-BFR (NBFR) walking on a treadmill in a crossover design. Exercise was performed as five sets of 2-min walking with 1-min rest intervals. BFR walking was performed with 200 mmHg pressure cuffs placed around the proximal region of the thighs. NBFR walking was performed without pressure cuffs.

Ratings of perceived exertion and leg discomfort were significantly higher during BFR walking than during NBFR walking. Affect and task motivation were significantly lower during BFR walking than during NBFR walking; by contrast, perceived pain was significantly higher during BFR walking than during NBFR walking. Enjoyment immediately after walking was significantly lower with BFR than with NBFR.

These findings suggest that BFR walking induces greater responses of perceptual parameters, including exercise adherence-related parameters, than does NBFR walking. Therefore, BFR walking may decrease adherence to this exercise. To further popularize BFR exercise, further studies are needed to develop effective strategies to minimize the BFR-induced negative effects on perceptual responses.