TY  -  JOUR
AU  -  Salmanloo, Hamidreza
AU  -  Arabzadeh, Ehsan
AU  -  Sayyah, Ali
AU  -  Bazgir, Behzad
T1  -  The effects of 8 weeks isometric resistance training with blood flow restriction on physical performance and muscle damage markers in young men
PY  -  2026
Y1  -  2026-01-01
DO  -  10.1728/4733.47492
JO  -  Medicina dello Sport
JA  -  Med Sport
VL  -  79
IS  -  1
SP  -  14
EP  -  21
PB  -  Il Pensiero Scientifico Editore
SN  -  1827-1863
Y2  -  2026/06/30
UR  -  http://dx.doi.org/10.1728/4733.47492
N2  -  Summary. Background. Blood flow restriction (BFR) training is a low-load resistance strategy that promotes muscular adaptations with reduced mechanical stress. However, its effects combined with isometric resistance training on performance and muscle damage markers remain unclear. Methods. Twenty physically active young men were randomly assigned to isometric resistance training with BFR (n = 10) or without BFR (CON, n = 10). Both groups completed an 8-week program (two sessions per week) at 50% maximal voluntary contraction. Muscular endurance, anaerobic power, aerobic capacity, and muscle damage markers (creatine kinase [CK] and lactate dehydrogenase [LDH]) were assessed before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA. Results. Isometric resistance training significantly improved muscular endurance in both groups (p < 0.05), with no additional effect of BFR. Anaerobic power improved only in the CON group (p < 0.05), while aerobic capacity remained unchanged. CK levels were significantly lower in the BFR group compared with CON (p < 0.05), whereas no between-group difference was observed for LDH. Conclusion. Eight weeks of isometric resistance training enhanced muscular endurance regardless of BFR. Although BFR did not further improve performance outcomes, it was associated with reduced CK levels, suggesting a potentially favorable muscle damage response.
ER  -