The impact of acute blood‐flow‐restriction resistance exercise on somatosensory‐evoked potentials in healthy adults

Abstract Blood‐flow‐restriction exercise (BFREX) is an emerging method to stimulate hypertrophy and strength without the need for high training loads. However, the impact of BFREX concerning somatosensory processing remains elusive. Here, we aimed to investigate the acute effects of BFREX on somatos...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Tom Maudrich, Sebastian Degener, Patrick Ragert, Rouven Kenville
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2024-11-01
Series:Experimental Physiology
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1113/EP091911
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Abstract Blood‐flow‐restriction exercise (BFREX) is an emerging method to stimulate hypertrophy and strength without the need for high training loads. However, the impact of BFREX concerning somatosensory processing remains elusive. Here, we aimed to investigate the acute effects of BFREX on somatosensory processing in healthy adults using somatosensory‐evoked potentials (SEPs). Twelve healthy adults (23.0 ± 3.2 years of age) participated in a randomized crossover experiment, consisting of three experimental conditions: application of blood‐flow restriction without resistance exercise (BFR), resistance exercise for multiple sets with blood‐flow restriction (BFREX) and traditional resistance exercise (unilateral biceps curls) for multiple sets without BFR (EX). SEP measurements were recorded bilaterally before, during and after each condition. SEP amplitudes were largely unaffected during various occlusive conditions. Nonetheless, our findings demonstrate a significant decrease in N9 latencies for condition EX compared with BFR, specifically in the exercised limb (mean difference = −0.26 ms, SE = 0.06 ms, P = 0.002, d = −0.335). This study provides evidence on the lack of impact of BFREX within the somatosensory domain, according to current guidelines. As an alternative method to traditional high‐load resistance exercise, BFREX might offer a considerable upside for rehabilitative settings by reducing strain on the musculoskeletal system.
ISSN:0958-0670
1469-445X