Hemodynamic response to resistance exercise with and without blood flow restriction in healthy subjects

Summary Purpose To compare the hemodynamic response during resistance exercise at high intensity ( HI ), low intensity ( LI ) and low intensity with blood flow restriction ( LI ‐ BFR ) in healthy subjects. Methods Twelve men performed three sets of unilateral knee extension exercises at LI ‐ BFR and LI (15 repetitions; 20% of 1 RM ) and HI (8 repetitions; 80% of 1 RM ). The blood flow restriction was accomplished using a sphygmomanometer positioned on the thigh and inflated to the point of blood flow interruption (167·9 ± 16·6 mmHg). The hemodynamic variables were obtained by continuous beat‐to‐beat photoplethysmography. Rating of perceived exertion ( RPE ) and blood lactate were also measured. Results The HI session showed higher values ( P <0·05) in all sets than the LI and LI ‐ BFR for diastolic blood pressure, heart rate and rate‐pressure product. The LI ‐ BFR showed higher values than the LI only in the 3rd set for systolic blood pressure, heart rate and rate‐pressure product. Blood lactate was higher in the HI (4·2 ± 0·2 mmol) and LI ‐ BFR (4·1 ± 0·3 mmol) than the LI (3·5 ± 0·3 mmol). Rating of perceived exertion was higher in the LI ‐ BFR (7·9 ± 0·3) than the HI (6·4 ± 0·4) and LI (3·2 ± 0·4). Conclusion The LI ‐ BFR session exhibited similar blood lactate to the HI , a higher rating of perceived response than the HI and LI , and equal or lower hemodynamic responses than the HI .