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Comparison of low load blood flow restriction and high load resistance training of the finger flexors in advanced
Vidar Andersen1, Espen Hermans1, Kristoffer Gunther Hansen1
1Faculty of Education, Arts and Sports, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Sogndal, Norway.
Introduction:
The aim of the present pilot study was to compare the effects of low load blood flow restriction (LL-BFR) with high load resistance training (HL) in advanced level climbers.
Methods:
Twenty-two climbers were randomly allocated to LL-BFR or HL performing training twice per week for five weeks. Before and after the intervention the participants were tested in isometric pull-up (peak- and average force), maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) in a finger flexor exercise, finger endurance, forearm circumference, and climbing performance.
Results:
There were no group differences in any of the tests (p=0.346-0.891), however, both groups increased their average force in the pull-up (LL-BFR; 52 N, p=0.012, HL; 56 N, p=0.024), MVC (LL-BFR; 15 kg, p=0.008, HL; 17 kg, p=0.002), forearm circumference (LL-BFR; 0.8 cm, p=0.012, HL; 0.6, p=0.038) and climbing performance (LL-BFR; 13.5 moves, p=0.012, HL; 10 moves, p=0.003). No pre-post differences were observed for the peak force in the pull-up (p=0.132-0.376) or the endurance test (p=0.752-1.000).
Discussion:
In conclusion, resistance training of the finger flexors with HL or LL-BFR resulted in no between-group differences, with both interventions improving maximal strength, hypertrophy, and climbing performance, but not endurance.
