Greater discomfort with blood flow restriction training compared to standard low‐load resistance exercise when both are performed to task failure

Abstract

Low‐load blood flow restriction (LL‐BFR) training improves muscular adaptation compared to traditional low‐load resistance exercise (LL‐RE), when matched for work. However, when both are performed to task failure, similar improvements in muscular strength and hypertrophy occur. At task failure, the perceived discomfort after a single bout of LL‐BFR or LL‐RE is equivocal and it remains unclear how this might change over time with training. Therefore, we examined alterations in the perception of discomfort during LL‐RE and LL‐BFR training. Ten resistance‐trained males performed both LL‐RE and LL‐BFR to failure, with each leg assigned to a different condition for 6 weeks. Perceived discomfort was obtained after each set and rest period during the 1st, 4th, 8th, 11th, and 15th training sessions using a 1000‐pixel visual analog scale. Perceived discomfort was similar following each set for LL‐RE and LL‐BFR within each training session and did not change with training. At the end of rest periods, with the tourniquet still applied, a consistently greater discomfort was reported with LL‐BFR (all P < .02), with no evidence for desensitization over time. Overall, participants reported similar discomfort following LL‐RE and LL‐BFR sets to failure; however, the application of BFR throughout rest periods increased discomfort, with no clear habituation with regular training.

Safety and efficacy of blood flow restriction exercise in individuals with neurological disorders: A systematic review

“…found elevated pain levels after BFRE compared to HL‐RE. However, this difference in discomfort and pain levels between BFRE and LL‐RE can also be observed in healthy individuals 51 and is therefore not necessarily solely associated with ND.…”