A Study to Identify the Optimum Forearm Floss Band Intensity in 29 Young Adults Performing Blood Flow Restriction...

BACKGROUND A floss band is used in resistance training and consists of a heavy-duty rubber resistance band to compress a joint or muscle group while performing a range of motion. Blood flow restriction (BFR) training combines low-intensity exercise with occlusion of blood flow, resulting in the effects of high-intensity training. This study aimed to identify the optimum forearm floss band intensity in 29 young adults while performing BFR training. MATERIAL AND METHODS Twenty-nine young and healthy adults voluntarily participated in this experiment. One of 4 types of floss bands with different intensities was randomly selected from the subjects and wound around their forearms. The tension of the floss band was calculated to be the length of the participant's forearm when stretched by 105%, and then wound around the forearm. Blood flow was measured 4 times at regular intervals (pretest: 1 min, during: 2 min, posttest [1]: 1 min, posttest [2]: 2 min) using laser Doppler imaging. RESULTS We found that the application of floss bands resulted in a significant interaction between the intensity (colors) and time (pre/during/post) with regard to the hemodynamic changes (P<0.05). The hemodynamic evaluation revealed a reduction in the blood flow (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS This preliminary study shows that the use of blood flow restriction training requires support from guidelines for optimal floss band intensity, particularly with the increasing clinical use of this method.