Repeated-Sprint Training With Blood-Flow Restriction Improves Repeated-Sprint Ability Similarly to Unrestricted...

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Exercise Physiology
• Human Performance

Background:

• Repeated-sprint training (RST) is a common method to enhance anaerobic performance in team sports.
• Blood-flow restriction (BFR) is increasingly used to augment training adaptations.
• The combined effects of RST and BFR on performance and physiological adaptations require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of 3 weeks of RST with and without BFR on performance and physiological adaptations in male team-sport players.
• To compare the efficacy of RST with BFR versus non-BFR in enhancing repeated-sprint ability, anaerobic capacity, lean mass, and neuromuscular function.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-six male team-sport players underwent 3 weeks of cycling-based RST, with participants randomly assigned to either BFR or non-BFR conditions.
• Assessments included repeated-sprint ability, anaerobic capacity, leg lean mass, neuromuscular function, and maximal aerobic capacity, conducted pre- and post-intervention.
• RST sessions involved 9 bouts of 3 sets of 5-7 repetitions of 5-second sprints with 25-second passive recovery and 3-minute rest between sets.

Main Results:

• Both BFR and non-BFR groups showed significant improvements in repeated-sprint ability, anaerobic capacity, leg lean mass, and peak aerobic power post-training.
• The BFR group experienced lower mean power output during training sessions compared to the non-BFR group.
• No significant differences in training adaptations were observed between the BFR and non-BFR groups, despite lower training loads in the BFR condition.

Conclusions:

• Three weeks of RST effectively enhances repeated-sprint ability, anaerobic capacity, leg lean mass, and peak aerobic power in team-sport players.
• The addition of BFR to RST does not provide additional benefits for these specific adaptations.
• Comparable training outcomes were achieved between groups, suggesting that BFR may allow for similar adaptations with potentially lower external loads.