Low-Intensity Exercise with Blood Flow Restriction Increases Muscle Strength without Altering hsCRP and Fibrinogen Levels in Healthy Subjects.

This study aimed to investigate alterations of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and fibrinogen levels in healthy subjects after five weeks of low intensity resistance training (LIRT) with blood flow restriction (BFR) on increasing strength in comparison with high intensity resistance training (HIRT) and LIRT alone, and to evaluate aspects related to the relative safety of LIRT + BFR. Eighteen healthy subjects were randomized into 3 groups. The HIRT group: 70% of One-Repetition Maximum (1-RM); LIRT + BFR group: 30% of 1-RM with BFR (a modified 13-cm wide cuff was used); LIRT group: 30% of 1-RM. The peak torque of isokinetic contraction of the left elbow flexor in each subject was measured before and after 5 weeks of resistance exercises to determine any increases in the left biceps brachii muscle strength. Blood markers of homeostasis (fibrinogen) and inflammation (hsCRP) were also measured before and after five weeks of training. Significant increases of strength were demonstrated between the five weeks of resistance exercises in the HIRT group (P = 0.003) and the LIRT + BFR group (P = 0.001). Peak torque of isokinetic contraction of the left flexor elbow joint at 60° per second angular velocity showed that the LIRT + BFR group produced the greatest peak torque increase than the HIRT group. There were no significant changes in the hsCRP levels in all the groups (P > 0.05) after five weeks of intervention. No significant differences of fibrinogen levels were fou...
Source: The Chinese Journal of Physiology - Category: Physiology Tags: Chin J Physiol Source Type: research