Decrements in Neuromuscular Function Are Reduced Following Low-Load Continuous Blood Flow Restriction Exercise...

Davids, CJ, Raastad, T, Geneau, MC, James, LP, Lichtwark, G, Coombes, JS, Peake, JM, and Roberts, LA. Decrements in neuromuscular function are reduced following low-load continuous blood flow restriction exercise compared to high-load resistance exercise. J Strength Cond Res 40(5): 552-559, 2026-The aim of this study was to quantify neuromuscular fatigue during and following resistance exercise protocols varying in load and blood flow restriction (BFR) application. Twelve strength-trained male subjects performed 4 sets of squat exercises under 4 conditions: (a) low-load resistance exercise (LL-RE, 30% one-repetition maximum [1RM]), (b) high-load resistance exercise (HL-RE, 70% 1RM), (c) LL-RE with continuous BFR (BFR-C), and (d) LL-RE with intermittent BFR (BFR-I). Neuromuscular fatigue markers included repetition velocity, isometric knee extensor torque, jump performance, and quadriceps contractile properties. Effort perceptions were also recorded. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Repetition velocities slowed with HL-RE (-8 ± 5%) and BFR-C (-4 ± 11%), significantly differing from LL-RE (7 ± 5%) and BFR-I (3 ± 5%). Effort ratings increased significantly across all conditions (all p < 0.01), with higher ratings observed during HL-RE and BFR-C compared with LL-RE and BFR-I for all 4 sets (all p < 0.01). At 60 minutes postexercise, knee extensor torque was reduced more with HL-RE (-8 ± 10%) than BFR-C (-6 ± 11%), and evoked contraction torque showed a similar pattern (HL-RE: -18 ± 12%; BFR-C: -5 ± 12%). Jump height declined across all conditions but was significantly greater following HL-RE (-13 ± 6%). Both HL-RE and BFR-C induced neuromuscular fatigue, slowing repetition velocities and elevating effort perceptions, but impairments were more pronounced with HL-RE after 60 minutes. Blood flow restriction-C may be a valuable alternative in athletic contexts where loading and/or postexercise fatigue must be managed.