About this Research Topic
A growing body of literature has focused on the use of additional training equipment or devices that may enhance performance and the resulting training adaptations, with researchers continually attempting to find effective methods of maximizing results. Blood flow restriction (BFR), along with resistance exercise, has been used widely in the rehabilitation process and to mitigate sarcopenia. While the number of studies investigating blood flow restriction has grown, there are only few studies related to performance among physically active people who engage in resistance training at the recreational and competitive level.
Although the characteristics of effective methodologies of resistance training using blood flow restriction are well described in the rehabilitation, it is not clear whether similar approaches may be employed in groups of healthy, active and well-trained people in order to optimize physical fitness and sports performance. This is especially important since the latest studies indicate that the use of blood flow restriction results in an acute improvement in strength and power performance, along with enhanced physiological responses. However, there is a lack of research on the optimization of the combination of blood flow restriction and resistance training protocols in order to maximize training outcomes. Optimization involves resistance exercise variables, such as the number of repetitions, intensity and recovery interval, as well as blood flow restriction variables, such as cuff size, applied pressure, time of application. Safety aspects during blood flow restriction protocols in athletes and individuals who exercise regularly should also be considered.
Consequently, the aim of this Research Topic is to welcome original research papers or systematic reviews and meta-analyses in the field of sport and exercise training and performance, with blood flow restriction protocols aiming to maximize adaptations in athletes and recreationally active individuals.
The objective is to expand the scientific knowledge related to the following topics:
- the influence of acute and chronic blood flow restriction, occlusion, compression, and ischemic preconditioning during high-intensity resistance training on physical performance.
- new training strategies and methodologies of blood flow restriction designed for competitive athletes and recreationally trained individuals.
- assessment of safety, physiological responses, fatigue and muscle damage due to the use of blood flow restriction.
- combination of blood flow restriction protocols with resistance exercise during rehabilitation of athletes and recreationally trained individuals following musculoskeletal injuries.
Although the characteristics of effective methodologies of resistance training using blood flow restriction are well described in the rehabilitation, it is not clear whether similar approaches may be employed in groups of healthy, active and well-trained people in order to optimize physical fitness and sports performance. This is especially important since the latest studies indicate that the use of blood flow restriction results in an acute improvement in strength and power performance, along with enhanced physiological responses. However, there is a lack of research on the optimization of the combination of blood flow restriction and resistance training protocols in order to maximize training outcomes. Optimization involves resistance exercise variables, such as the number of repetitions, intensity and recovery interval, as well as blood flow restriction variables, such as cuff size, applied pressure, time of application. Safety aspects during blood flow restriction protocols in athletes and individuals who exercise regularly should also be considered.
Consequently, the aim of this Research Topic is to welcome original research papers or systematic reviews and meta-analyses in the field of sport and exercise training and performance, with blood flow restriction protocols aiming to maximize adaptations in athletes and recreationally active individuals.
The objective is to expand the scientific knowledge related to the following topics:
- the influence of acute and chronic blood flow restriction, occlusion, compression, and ischemic preconditioning during high-intensity resistance training on physical performance.
- new training strategies and methodologies of blood flow restriction designed for competitive athletes and recreationally trained individuals.
- assessment of safety, physiological responses, fatigue and muscle damage due to the use of blood flow restriction.
- combination of blood flow restriction protocols with resistance exercise during rehabilitation of athletes and recreationally trained individuals following musculoskeletal injuries.
Keywords: resistance exercise, occlusion, ischemic, power, kinematic variables, athletes, markers of muscle damage, elderly
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
