Repeated-Sprint Training with Blood Flow Restriction: A Novel Approach to Improve Repeated-Sprint Ability

James R McKee

Team-sport players commonly perform repeated short-duration sprints (≤ 10 seconds) interspersed with incomplete recovery periods (≤ 60 seconds). Repeated-sprint ability, reflecting the best average sprint performance across a series of sprints, is limited by physiological factors contributing to fatigue. Recent research has implemented blood flow restriction (BFR) during repeated-sprint exercise (RSE) which could reduce oxygen availability to promote physiological adaptation and mitigate fatigue development. However, it is unknown which BFR application method (continuous or intermittent inflation during sprints or recovery periods only) induces the largest physiological stress for a given power output during RSE. Furthermore, no research has investigated whether implementing BFR during repeated-sprint training (RST) can improve repeated-sprint ability in team-sport players. Therefore, this thesis aims to provide BFR prescription considerations to optimise the physiological stimulus during RSE and determine its impact on peripheral and central factors. In addition, it investigates the effectiveness of using BFR during RST to enhance performance and physiological adaptations in team-sport players. Study One examined the impact of BFR application methods (continuous vs. intermittent) during RSE on acute performance, physiological, and perceptual responses in 12 semi-professional team-sport players. During RSE consisting of three sets of five 5-second sprints with 25 seconds of passive recovery and three minutes of rest, BFR was applied at 45% of arterial occlusion pressure either continuously (C-BFR), intermittently during the sprints (I-BFRWORK) or rest periods (I-BFRREST), or not at all (Non-BFR). Mean power output was lower (p < 0.001) during C-BFR than I-BFRREST (-4.1%), I-BFRWORK (-4.4%), and Non-BFR (-7.0%), and during I-BFRREST compared to Non-BFR (-3.0%). Blood lactate concentration increased similarly across RSE between conditions (p = 0.166). Rating of perceived exertion was higher (p < 0.01) for I-BFRREST (+9.8%) and C-BFR (+11.8%) than Non-BFR, and during C-BFR (+9.6%) compared to I-BFRWORK. Applying C-BFR or I-BFRREST increases the relative internal:external load demands, but enhances exercise-related sensations compared to Non-BFR. The C-BFR application method was determined to induce the largest physiological stress for a given power output (i.e., similar blood lactate concentration despite the lowest mean power output). Study Two assessed the influence of C-BFR during RSE on acute performance, metabolic, neuromuscular, and perceptual responses in 26 semi-professional and amateur team-sport players. The RSE was performed as outlined in Study One with C-BFR (45% arterial occlusion pressure) or Non-BFR. In agreement with Study One, mean and peak power output, and oxygen consumption were lower (all p < 0.01) during C-BFR (-5.0%, -4.5%, and -6.3%, respectively) compared to Non-BFR. The minimum tissue saturation index of the vastus lateralis muscle was reduced (p < 0.001) during sprints and recovery periods for C-BFR (-6.9% and -5.9%, respectively). Electromyography root mean square was decreased (both p < 0.01) for biceps femoris and lateral gastrocnemius muscles during C-BFR (-2.8% and -8.9%, respectively), but remained unchanged (p > 0.05) for the vastus lateralis muscle with both conditions. Perceived limb discomfort was significantly higher (p < 0.001) for C-BFR (+22.7%), though no differences (p > 0.05) in blood lactate concentration or rating of perceived exertion were observed between conditions. Blood flow-restricted RSE reduced performance and likely increased the physiological and perceptual stimulus for the periphery with greater reliance on anaerobic glycolysis, despite comparable or decreased central demands. Finally, Study Three investigated whether the physiological stimulus induced at the periphery with C-BFR augments performance and physiological adaptations following three weeks of RST for 26 semi-professional and amateur team-sport players. Participants completed nine RST sessions (three sets of 5-7 × 5-second sprints with 25 seconds of passive recovery and 3 minutes of rest) with C-BFR (45% arterial occlusion pressure) or Non-BFR. During RST sessions, mean power output was reduced (p = 0.001) for C-BFR (-14.5%; range: 10.7% to 16.6%) compared to Non-BFR, and decreased to a greater extent than during Studies One (-7.0%) and Two (-5.0%). Comparable improvements (all p < 0.05) in mean and peak power output during repeated-sprint ability (+4.1 and +2.2%, respectively) and 30-second “all out” sprint (+4.8% and +4.7%) tests, leg lean mass (+2.0%), and peak aerobic power (+3.3%) were observed for both groups. Peak rate of force development decreased similarly (p = 0.003, -14.6%) in both groups. Three weeks of RST with C-BFR augmented repeated-sprint ability, leg lean mass, aerobic, and anaerobic exercise performance similarly to Non-BFR, but from lower external load demands. The reduced rate of force development following the training period suggests that RST prescription must be carefully managed alongside regular team-sport training demands to avoid fatigue accumulation. The collective findings from this thesis provide valuable insights for implementing BFR during RST sessions. Applying C-BFR increases the internal:external load ratio during RSE compared to Non-BFR, which may be suitable for load-compromised athletes including those in the later stages of rehabilitating an injury or undertaking demanding training blocks. However, performance is reduced from the larger physiological and perceptual stimulus elicited at the peripheral level with C-BFR, which may limit exercise adherence. For team-sport players tolerating C-BFR, three weeks of RST similarly improves repeated-sprint ability compared to Non-BFR, from lower external load demands during training.

Repeated-Sprint Training with Blood Flow Restriction: A Novel Approach to Improve Repeated-Sprint Ability

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