CHRONIC EFFECT ON FLOW - MEDIATED DILATION FROM LOW - INTENSITY RESISTANCE TRAINING WITH BLOOD FLOW RESTRICTION: A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Main Article Content

Ratanyoo Longrak
Wirat Sonchan

Abstract

Resistance training has gained widespread popularity in recent times for enhancing the athletic potential of individuals. Given the increased knowledge about physical fitness, an   ever-growing number of athletes and coaches are turning to resistance training for its numerous benefits, which include enhanced explosive strength, maximum power output, and muscle growth. However, heavy resistance training is, sometimes, not suitable for some athletes, such as for those who are weak. Thus, alternative training methods are being sought to overcome the limitations of traditional resistance training. One approach gaining popularity is low-intensity resistance training with blood flow restriction (BFR). This narrative review seeks to achieve 3 objectives: 1) to raise awareness about the importance of flow-mediated dilation (FMD); 2), to investigate the effect of low resistance training (30%1RM) with BFR and traditional heavy resistance training on blood vessel expansion ability; and 3), to provide valuable information to practitioners for decision-making regarding the use of these resistance training techniques. The data under review was collected from prior controlled trial studies obtained through a literature search conducted on PubMed. The findings indicated the capacity of blood vessels to expand changed after period of resistance training. A substantial impact of resistance training on FMD was reported that even a slight 1% decrease in FMD could significantly raise the risk of cardiovascular events by up to 8%. The results of 4 out of 5 randomized controlled trials suggested that low-intensity resistance training with BFR led to a significant increase in FMD after a training period, whereas heavy resistance training showed contrasting result. However, it appeared that the training volume played a crucial role, as excessive volume, even with low resistance, could have a negative effect on FMD. Individuals practicing low-intensity resistance training with BFR should carefully monitor their training volume to avoid adverse outcomes. Based on previous studies demonstrating positive effects on FMD, an intensity of 30-40% 1RM or 20% MVC was recommended.

Article Details

How to Cite
Longrak, R., & Sonchan, W. (2024). CHRONIC EFFECT ON FLOW - MEDIATED DILATION FROM LOW - INTENSITY RESISTANCE TRAINING WITH BLOOD FLOW RESTRICTION: A NARRATIVE REVIEW. Academic Journal of Thailand National Sports University, 16(2), 15–24. Retrieved from https://he02.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/TNSUJournal/article/view/261348
Section
Research Articles

References

Briceno - Torres, J. M., Carpio - Rivera, E., Solera - Herrera, A., Forsse, J., Grandjean, P. W., & Moncada-Jimenez, J. (2023). Low - intensity resistance training improves flow - mediated dilation in young hispanic adults. Journal of strength and conditioning research, 37(2), 298 – 304.

Cerqueira, M. S., Lira, M., Mendonça Barboza, J. A., Burr, J. F., Wanderley E Lima, T. B., Maciel, D. G., & De Brito Vieira, W. H. (2021). Repetition failure occurs earlier during low - load resistance exercise with high but not low blood flow restriction pressures: A systematic review and meta - analysis. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34319945/

Credeur, D. P., Holwerda, S. W., Restaino, R. M., King, P. M., Crutcher, K. L., & Laughlin, M. H. (2010). Effects of handgrip training with venous restriction on brachial artery vasodilation. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 42(7), 1296 - 1302.

De Salles, B. F., Simao, R., Miranda, F., Novaes, J. daS., Lemos, A., & Willardson, J. M. (2009). Rest interval between sets in strength training. Sports medicine, 39(9), 765 – 777.

Early, K. S., Stewart, A. D., Johannsen, N. M., Lavie, C. J., & Thomas, J. R. (2020). Effect of blood flow restriction training on muscular performance, pain and vascular function. International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, 15(6), 892 - 900.

Green, D. J., Dawson, E. A., Groenewoud, H. M. M., Jones, H., Thijssen, D. H. J. (2014). Is flow - mediated dilation nitric oxide mediated?: A meta-analysis. Hypertension, 63(2), 376 - 382.

Gundermann, D. M., Walker, D. K., Reidy, P. T., Borack, M. S., Dickinson, J. M., & Drummond, M. J. (2012). Reactive hyperemia is not responsible for stimulating muscle protein synthesis following blood flow restriction exercise. Journal of Applied Physiology, 112(9), 1520 - 1528.

Horiuchi, M., & Okita, K. (2012). Blood flow restricted exercise and vascular function. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23133756/

Hunt, J. E. A., Galea, D., Tufft, G., Bunce, D., & Ferguson, R. A. (2013). Time course of regional vascular adaptations to low load resistance training with blood flow restriction. Journal of Applied Physiology, 115(3), 403 - 411.

Inaba, Y., Chen, J. A., & Bergmann, S. R. (2010). Prediction of future cardiovascular outcomes by flow - mediated vasodilatation of brachial artery: A meta - analysis. International Journal of Cardiovascular Imaging, 26(6), 631 - 640.

Kambic, T., Jakobsgaard, J. E., Stevens, A., & Jespersen, N. R. (2019). Blood flow restriction resistance exercise improves muscle strength and hemodynamics, but not vascular function in coronary artery disease patients: A pilot randomized controlled trial. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31244668/

Loenneke, J. P., Wilson, J. M., Marin, P. J., Zourdos, M. C., & Bemben, M. G. (2010). A mechanistic approach to blood flow occlusion. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 31(1), 1 - 4.

Lorenz, D. S., Bailey, L., Wilk, K. E., Mangine, R. E., Head, P., Grindstaff, T. L., & Morrison, S. (2021). Blood Flow Restriction Training. Journal of athletic training, 56(9), 937 – 944.

Miller, B. C., Tirko, A. W., Shipe, J. M., Sumeriski, O. R., & Moran, K. (2021). The Systemic Effects of Blood Flow Restriction Training: A Systematic Review. International journal of sports physical therapy, 16(4), 978 – 990.

Morishima, T., Fry, A. C., Acute, L. N., Nakamoto, H., & Takano, H. (2018). High - intensity resistance exercise with low repetitions maintains endothelial function. American Journal of Physiology - Heart and Circulatory Physiology, 315(3), 681 - 686.

Mouser, J. G., Gallo, S., VanDongen, N. S., & Welsch, M. A. (2017). Blood flow in humans following low-load exercise with and without blood flow restriction. Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism, 42(11), 1165 - 1171.

Pearson, S. J., & Hussain, S. R. (2015). A review on the mechanisms of blood-flow restriction resistance training-induced muscle hypertrophy. Sports medicine, 45(2), 187 – 200.

Rosenberry, R., & Nelson, M. D. (2020). Reactive hyperemia: A review of methods, mechanisms, and considerations. American Journal of Physiology-Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology, 318(3), R605 - R618.

Severin, M. J. (2016). Flow mediated vasodilation changes in older and younger adult groups after 4 weeks of low intensity hand grip isometric training with vascular occlusion (Doctoral dissertation), Iowa State University. Retrieved from https://lib.dr.iastate.edu/etd/15808

Silva, J. K. T. N. F., Meneses, A. L., Parmenter, B. J., Ritti - Dias, R. M., & Farah, B. Q. (2021). Effects of resistance training on endothelial function: A systematic review and meta - analysis. Atherosclerosis, 333, 91 – 99.

Thijssen, D. H., Black, M. A., Pyke, K. E., Padilla, J., Atkinson, G., Harris, R. A., Parker, B., Widlansky, M. E., Tschakovsky, M. E., & Green, D. J. (2011). Assessment of flow - mediated dilation in humans: a methodological and physiological guideline. American journal of Physiology Heart and Circulatory Physiology, 300(1), H2 – H12.

Tremblay, J. C., & Pyke, K. E. (2018). Flow - mediated dilation stimulated by sustained increases in shear stress: A useful tool for assessing endothelial function in humans? American Journal of Physiology - Heart and Circulatory Physiology, 314(3), H508 - H520.

Westcott W. L. (2012). Resistance training is medicine: Effects of strength training on health. Current sports medicine reports, 11(4), 209 – 216.