Effects of Blood flow Restriction and Load on Mean Propulsive Velocity and Subjective Perceived Exertion During Squat and Bench Press Exercises.

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the influence of different percentages of blood flow restriction (BFR) and loads on mean propulsive velocity (MPV) and subjective perceived exertion during squat (SQ) and bench press (BP) exercises.

Hypothesis: Higher percentages of BFR will positively affect dependent variables, increasing MPV and reducing perceived exertion.

Study design: Cross-sectional study.

Level of evidence: Level 3.

Methods: Eight healthy young male athletes took part. Two sets of 6 repetitions at 70% 1-repetition maximum (1RM), 2 sets of 4 repetitions at 80% 1RM, and 2 sets of 2 repetitions at 90% 1RM were performed randomly; 5-minute recoveries were applied in all sets. The varying arterial occlusion pressure (AOP) applied randomly was 0% (Control [CON]), 80%, and 100%.

Results: No statistically significant differences in MPV were found during the BP exercise at any percentage of BFR at any percentage 1RM. During the SQ exercise, MPV results showed statistically significant increases of 5.46% (P = 0.04; η_p² = 0.31) between CON and 100% AOP at 90% 1RM. The perceived exertion results for the BP exercise showed statistically significant reductions of -8.66% (P < 0.01; η_p² = 0.06) between CON and 100% AOP at 90% 1RM. During the SQ exercise, the perceived exertion results showed significant reductions of -10.04% (P = 0.04; η_p² = 0.40) between CON and 100% AOP at 80% 1RM; -5.47% (P = 0.02; η_p² = 0.48) between CON and 80% AOP at 90% 1RM; and -11.83% (P < 0.01; η_p² = 0.66) between CON and 100% AOP at 90% 1RM.

Conclusion: BFR percentages ~100% AOP at 90% 1RM improved acutely MPV (only in SQ exercises) and reduced acutely perceived exertion (in both exercises). These findings are important to consider when prescribing resistance training for healthy male athletes.