Low-intensity exercise, vascular occlusion, and muscular adaptations.

摘要

The study investigated the effects of low-intensity exercise on muscular fitness when combined with vascular occlusion. Male (n = 8) and female (n = 11) college students performed two sets of a 5-min step exercise using a 12-inch bench 3 times/week for a total of 5 weeks. During the step exercise, blood flow to one leg was partially restricted (vascular occlusion) with a blood pressure cuff placed around the thigh, while the other leg was not occluded. Parameters of muscular fitness were not affected by vascular occlusion. Muscular strength and endurance of both occluded and non-occluded legs were increased after the training in both men and women, regardless of blood flow (p < .05). Vascular occlusion had no additional effects in promoting muscular strength and endurance gains of the legs, when incorporated into a 5-week step exercise program.