Blood flow restriction training activates the muscle metaboreflex during low-intensity sustained exercise
Joseph Mannozzi, Mohamed‐Hussein Al‐Hassan, Jasdeep Kaur, Beruk Lessanework, Alberto Alvarez‐Iglesias, Louis Massoud, Kamel Aoun, Marty D. Spranger, Donal S. O’Leary
Abstract
Blood flow restriction training (BFRT) increases muscle mass, strength, and endurance. There has been minimal consideration of the reflex cardiovascular responses that could be elicited during BFRT sessions. We showed that during low-intensity exercise BFRT may trigger large reflex increases in blood pressure and sympathetic activity due to muscle metaboreflex activation. Thus, we urge caution when employing BFRT, especially in patients in whom exaggerated cardiovascular responses may occur that could cause sudden, adverse cardiovascular events.
Topics & Concepts
Blood flow restrictionMedicineBlood flowReflexBlood pressureCardiologyIntensity (physics)Internal medicineHemodynamicsPhysical exerciseAnesthesiaPhysical medicine and rehabilitationResistance trainingPhysicsQuantum mechanicsHeart Rate Variability and Autonomic ControlCardiovascular and exercise physiologyHigh Altitude and Hypoxia