The Effect of Blood Flow Restriction Exercise on Muscle Oxygenation and Lactate Levels in Elite Athletes: A Comparative Study
Overview
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Status
- Completed
- Enrollment
- 35
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Change in muscle oxygenation (SmO₂) measured by Moxy Muscle Oxygen Monitor (Near-Infrared Spectroscopy - NIRS)
Overview
Brief Summary
This study investigates the effects of blood flow restriction (BFR) training combined with low-intensity aerobic exercise on muscle oxygenation, total hemoglobin (THb), and blood lactate levels in elite athletes, comparing them with healthy sedentary individuals. BFR training, which partially restricts arterial and fully restricts venous blood flow using a pneumatic cuff, creates a hypoxic environment, leading to muscle strength and endurance improvements with lower-intensity exercise. The study aims to determine whether BFR-induced occlusion enhances muscle adaptation and how these physiological responses differ between elite athletes and sedentary individuals.
Detailed Description
This comparative cross-sectional study aims to examine the acute physiological responses to low-intensity aerobic exercise combined with blood flow restriction (BFR) training in elite male track and field athletes versus sedentary individuals. The primary focus is on changes in muscle oxygenation, total hemoglobin (THb), and blood lactate concentrations.
BFR is applied via a pneumatic cuff that partially restricts arterial and fully restricts venous return, thereby creating a localized hypoxic environment. This method has been shown to induce strength and endurance adaptations comparable to high-intensity training, even when performed at low intensities.
Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) via the Moxy Muscle Oxygen Monitor will be used to assess muscle oxygenation parameters in real-time. Blood lactate levels will be measured through capillary sampling before and after exercise. Additional physiological parameters including heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate will also be monitored.
The study compares two groups with distinct physical activity backgrounds, intending to elucidate potential differences in physiological adaptation to BFR. All measurements will be carried out in a controlled lab environment using validated instruments. Statistical analyses will be performed using SPSS software, with appropriate parametric or non-parametric methods depending on data distribution.
The results may contribute to a deeper understanding of BFR training mechanisms and guide tailored conditioning strategies for both athletic and sedentary populations.
Study Design
- Study Type
- Interventional
- Allocation
- Non Randomized
- Intervention Model
- Crossover
- Primary Purpose
- Health Services Research
- Masking
- Single (Participant)
Masking Description
Healthy Sedentary Male Individuals: These participants are physically inactive or engage in minimal physical activity. They do not follow a structured exercise regimen and have no history of professional or competitive sports participation. They are in good general health, with no chronic diseases or musculoskeletal disorders that could affect the study outcomes.
Healthy Elite Male Athletes: These participants are actively involved in elite-level athletics, following a structured and high-intensity training program. They have extensive experience in competitive sports, particularly in track and field disciplines. They are in optimal physical condition, with well-developed cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems, and no history of major injuries or health conditions that could impact their performance.
Eligibility Criteria
- Ages
- 15 Years to 18 Years (Child, Adult)
- Sex
- Male
- Accepts Healthy Volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria
- •Willingness to participate in the study
- •Male individuals aged 15-18 years
- •Sedentary status for control group participants (\<600 MET-min/week according to the International Physical Activity Questionnaire - Short Form)
- •Body mass index (BMI) \<25 kg/m²
- •Licensed track and field athlete for the study group
- •At least 3 years of experience as a licensed sprint athlete
- •No history of sports injury in the last 6 months
Exclusion Criteria
- •Presence of open wounds or infection in the lower extremities
- •Leg pain, varicose veins, or thrombophlebitis
- •Diabetes or a history of cardiovascular disease
- •Smoking and/or alcohol consumption
- •Presence of respiratory distress
- •Bilateral lower extremity pain and edema
- •Incompatibility with the blood flow restriction (BFR) device
- •Presence of diseases causing endothelial dysfunction (e.g., hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, neurological disorders, systemic inflammation, obesity, diabetes, atherosclerosis)
- •History of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or peripheral vascular disease
- •Presence of acute infection
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Change in muscle oxygenation (SmO₂) measured by Moxy Muscle Oxygen Monitor (Near-Infrared Spectroscopy - NIRS)
Time Frame: Over a period of 2 months
Muscle oxygenation (SmO₂) will be assessed using the Moxy Muscle Oxygen Monitor, a validated NIRS-based device placed on the vastus lateralis muscle. Measurements will be taken pre- and post-exercise across multiple sessions to observe acute and cumulative responses.Unit of Measure: Percentage (%)
Change in blood lactate concentration measured by portable lactate analyzer (e.g., Lactate Scout+)
Time Frame: Immediately before and 3 minutes after each exercise session over a 2-month period
Capillary blood samples will be collected from the fingertip immediately before and 3 minutes after low-intensity aerobic exercise. Lactate levels will be analyzed using a validated point-of-care lactate analyzer to assess the metabolic response to BFR training.Unit of Measure: mmol/L
Change in body fat percentage measured by Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (TANITA BIA device)
Time Frame: Over a period of 2 months
Body fat percentage will be assessed using a validated TANITA BIA device to evaluate changes in body composition.
Change in muscle mass measured by Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (TANITA BIA device)
Time Frame: Baseline and end of 2-month intervention
Muscle mass will be assessed using a TANITA BIA device to track training-induced adaptations. Unit of Measure: Kilograms (kg)
Change in Body Mass Index (BMI) measured by Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (TANITA BIA device)
Time Frame: Baseline and end of 2-month intervention
BMI will be calculated from height and weight data provided by the TANITA BIA device to observe general body composition trends. Unit of Measure: kg/m²
Secondary Outcomes
No secondary outcomes reported
Investigators
Burçin Uğur Tosun
Principal Investigator PhD Physiotherapist Burcin Ugur Tosun
Eastern Mediterranean University