Impact of exercise with blood flow restriction on muscle hypertrophy and performance outcomes in men and women

Abstract

Blood flow restriction training (BFRT) improves lean mass and strength. In BFRT studies, only 17-29% of participants were female. We compared lean mass and strength following 6-week BFRT between males and females. Thirty-eight adults (age, 25.3 ± 3.1 years; female, n=19) participated. Exercises were performed at 30% of 1-repetition maximum (1-RM) and individual’s limb occlusion pressure set at 60%. Lean mass was assessed via dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, strength was measured using 1-RM. A significant increase in lean mass was observed in males (p= .009) and females (p= .023) without group differences (p= .279). Both males and females increased 1-RM for upper-and lower-body exercises. However, there was a significant interaction effect (time x sex) for knee extension (p= .039), chest press (p= .002), and seated row (p= .033). Lean mass and muscle strength increased following six weeks of BFRT. Males may improve upper-body strength to a greater extent.