Effect Of Resistance Training With Vascular Occlusion In The Upper Limbs

BACKGROUND : Vascular occlusion training has been proved to be safe and effective training in achieving muscular strength and hypertrophy in healthy adults. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of vascular occlusion training for upper limbs on strength and hypertrophy in comparison with traditional resistance training.METHODS: Six healthy men, 20-35 years old (body weight 85.2 +/- 11.2 kg; height 1.75 +/- 0.04 m) were randomly assigned to either a group that performed resistance training with vascular occlusion (OG) and a group that performed resistance training without vascular occlusion (NOG). The study period lasted 5 weeks with participants performing 2 workouts a week comprised 3 sets of 15 repetitions (NOG: 70% to 80% of 1RM; OG: 30% load of 1RM) of 2 different exercises (elbow flexion and elbow extension) per session. Testing was performed pre-test and post-test for muscle strength (1RM elbow flexion and elbow extension), and muscle circumference of the elbow flexors, and elbow extensors by an anthropometric tape.RESULTS: Maximal strength was greater for both triceps (d=0.6) and biceps (d=1.7) exercises for NO G compared to OG. Muscle circumferences was greater for OG compared to NOG in the both triceps and biceps exercises as well.CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence that the traditional resistance training using higher intensity (higher loads), requiring more neuromuscular control, generating greater overload and total work to the involved muscles.