Research Impact : The effect of blood flow restriction training (BFR) on maximal aerobic capacity (VO2max) has been well documented. However, the exact mechanism for these improvements have yet to be identified, with both central and peripheral changes currently being considered. To address this, we measured changes in participants’ hemoglobin mass and blood volume, single- and double-leg VO2max, and the release of fluid-regulating hormones in response to acute BFR exercise sessions before and after training. Our findings indicate that BFR treadmill walking increases VO2max irrespective of changes in blood volume and despite a large release of blood volume regulating hormones in response to BFR treadmill walking. The large hormonal response is blunted following 4 weeks of BFR training.
Thompson KMA, Gamble ASD, Kontro H, Lee JB, Burr JF. Low- and high-volume blood-flow restriction treadmill walking both improve maximal aerobic capacity independently of blood volume. Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2023 Nov 14. https://doi.org/10.1111/sms.14534
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