Effects of blood flow restriction training (BFR) and high intensity interval training (HIIT) on aerobic and anaerobic capacities of physically active individuals

• Main Author: Yeo, Syntyche Syn Yu
• Other Authors: -
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: Nanyang Technological University 2023
• Subjects: Science::General
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/171856
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Blood Flow Restriction Training (BFR) and High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) are two exercise modalities that show promise in improving physical fitness. This study aims to investigate the differences between BFR with HIIT and HIIT alone on aerobic and anaerobic capacities in physically active individuals through VO2max and Wingate tests, hypothesising that BFR with HIIT will elicit greater improvements in aerobic and anaerobic capacities than just HIIT itself. In this matched-pair parallel study design, 10 male participants completed 5 sessions: screening, familiarisation, training (3 weeks), and pre-post testing. Participants were allocated to either the BFR+HIIT or the Control (CON) group. Training involved a high-intensity short interval protocol. The BFR+HIIT group wore pneumatic cuffs inflated to 80% of limb occlusion pressure for 2 minutes during rest breaks. The CON group were told they were exercising in an altitude chamber but were in normal room temperature conditions. No significant differences between the groups were reported for absolute and relative VO2max (absolute p=0.181; relative p=0.081). However, significant between group differences in relative mean power output (MPO)(p=0.038) was observed. Further post hoc analyses revealed changes in the HIIT+BFR group (pbonf=0.065). This suggests that BFR supplementation with HIIT does not significantly enhance aerobic capacity but does enhance anaerobic capacity. Future studies exploring BFR with HIIT should consider additional performance measures and HIIT protocols for more robust conclusions.