Blood flow restriction of sport-specific repeated-sprint training enhances acute physiological responses in elite female boxers: a randomized, crossover trial

Abstract

This study investigated the acute physiological responses during sport-specific repeated sprint training with different levels at blood flow restriction (BFR) in elite boxing athletes. Sixteen female boxers participated in this randomized, cross-over study. All boxers conducted four tests under different conditions, each consisting of 3 sets of 6 repetitions of 10-sec all-out punches in non-BFR, BFR-45%, 60%, 80% arterial occlusion pressure (AOP 45 , AOP 60 , and AOP 80 ). The intervals separating repetitions and sets were 20 s and 1 min, respectively. We assessed muscle activation, muscle oxygenation saturation, Serum hormonal changes, muscle discomfort, level of perceived exertion, and punch performance. BFR induced higher levels of muscle activation and changes in muscle oxygenation saturation compared with non-BFR ( p < 0.05), especially under the AOP 80 condition. BFR can also induce an increase in serum growth hormone and nitric oxide concentrations ( p < 0.05). Although these acute physiological changes are accompanied by increased muscle soreness and impaired punching performance, boxers typically recover within 48 h. Applying blood flow restriction during punching trainings can enhance acute physiological responses in elite boxers. AOP 80 may serve as an effective strategy to enhance high-intensity punching capacity in boxers.