Comparisons between Low-Intensity Resistance Training with Blood Flow Restriction and High-Intensity Resistance Training on Back Muscles

Abstract

Seenuan C, Mitranun W. Comparisons between Low-Intensity Resistance Training with Blood Flow Restriction and High-Intensity Resistance Training on Back Muscles. JEPonline 2023;26(6):33–38. This study compared the effects of exercise with blood flow restriction (BFR) combined with low- and high-resistance training on the back muscles. Thirty 18 to 39 years of age men without a background in resistance training 6 months prior were randomly selected with systematic sampling into 3 Groups of 10 participants each: (a) BFR with low resistance training at 30% of one repetition maximum [1RM]; (b) high-intensity resistance training at 75% of 1RM; and (c) a Control Group. The two training groups performed pulldown exercises 3 days a week for 8 weeks. Before and after the 8-week training period, the participants were tested for 1RM of the lat pulldown, 1RM of the preacher curl, posterior scapular circumference, arm circumference, and body composition. The paired t-tests revealed that both Training Groups showed significant improvements in the 1RM of lat pulldown, 1RM of the preacher curl, posterior scapular circumference, and arm circumference after 8 weeks of training (P < 0.05). Analysis of covariance demonstrated that the high-intensity resistance training had significantly different 1RM in lat pulldown and posterior scapular circumference compared with the Control Group (P < 0.05). It was concluded that both types of training were similarly effective and could be incorporated into resistance training programs.