Ischemic preconditioning delayed neuromuscular fatigue development during a simulated soccer match

This study investigated the effect of ischemic preconditioning on neuromuscular fatigue etiology and physical performance during simulated soccer match play.

The study followed a crossover randomized, placebo-controlled trial design.

Fourteen semi-professional players completed the Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle Test preceded by either three 5 min periods of bilateral cuff inflation to 220 mm Hg (ischemic preconditioning) or to 20 mm Hg (placebo), interspersed with 5-min periods of reperfusion. Neuromuscular function, including maximal voluntary contraction, potentiated twitch, and voluntary activation, was assessed at baseline, halftime, and full time. Sprint performance, perceived exertion, and muscle soreness were evaluated through the Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle Test protocol.

Ischemic preconditioning significantly attenuated the decline in maximal voluntary contraction at halftime (p < 0.01, d = 0.7) and full time (p < 0.01, d = 1.3) compared to placebo. Voluntary activation was better maintained with ischemic preconditioning at halftime (-8 % in placebo vs -4 % in ischemic preconditioning, p < 0.01, d = 1.4) and full time (-11 % in placebo vs -6 % in ischemic preconditioning, p < 0.01, d = 1.6). Sprint performance was significantly preserved in ischemic preconditioning during the third (p = 0.01, d = 0.55) and sixth sets (p < 0.01, d = 1.03). Likewise, ischemic preconditioning reduced muscle soreness scores at full time (p < 0.01, d = 1.4) compared to placebo.

These findings suggest that ischemic preconditioning effectively attenuated neuromuscular fatigue development, likely via central factors, and preserved high-intensity performance during a simulated soccer match play.