Ischemic Preconditioning Improves the Bench-Press Maximal Strength in Resistance-Trained Men

We investigated whether acute ischemic preconditioning (IPC) would affect upper limb maximal strength performance in resistance-trained men. Using a counterbalanced randomized crossover design, fifteen men (29.9 ± 5.9 yrs.; 86.3 ± 9.6 kg; 8.0 ± 5.0 yrs. resistance training experience) performed one-repetition maximum (1-RM) bench press tests on three different occasions: control, 10 min post-IPC or 10 min post-placebo (SHAM). One-way analysis of variance showed that the post-IPC condition increased (P < 0.0001) 1-RM loads compared to both control and post-SHAM (control 113.3 ± 15.9 kg vs. SHAM 113.9 ± 15.8 kg vs. IPC 115.7 ± 15.6 kg), while control and SHAM did not differ (P > 0.05). Individual results showed that 13 participants (~87%) improved their performance post-IPC compared to control, and 11 participants (~73%) performed better post-IPC compared to post-SHAM. Reported session rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was lower (P < 0.0001) post-IPC (8.5 ± 0.6 arb.u) compared to control (9.3 ± 0.5 arb.u) and post-SHAM (9.3 ± 0.5 arb.u). Therefore, we conclude that IPC acutely improves upper limb maximal strength performance and reduces session-RPE in resistance-trained men. These results suggest an acute ergogenic effect of IPC for strength and power sports such as powerlifting.