Effects of High-Load, Low-Load, and Passive Blood Flow Restriction Training on Strength and Sprint Performance in Competitive Sprinters Aged 16 to 30

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effects of different blood flow restriction BFR training methods on strength and sprint performance in competitive male and female sprinters aged 16 to 30 years. The study aims to compare high-load BFR HL-BFR, low-load BFR LL-BFR, and passive BFR to see which approach produces better improvements in sprinting and neuromuscular strength. This trial explores whether combining mechanical and metabolic stress through HL-BFR offers greater performance gains or if LL-BFR and passive BFR provide effective, low-impact alternatives. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups for a 6-week sprint-specific resistance training program performed three times weekly. The HL-BFR group trains at 70-85% of their one-repetition maximum 1RM with BFR during exercise sets. The LL-BFR group trains at 20-30% 1RM with BFR applied during sets, while the passive BFR group trains at 70-85% 1RM with BFR applied only between sets. Exercises include resisted sprints, barbell step-ups, hip thrusts, Nordic curls, and bounding. During the study, researchers will measure lower limb muscle strength using 1RM tests, explosive power through vertical jumps and standing broad jumps, and sprint times at 10m, 30m, and 100m distances. Participants will also report their perceived exertion using the sRPE scale throughout the intervention. The study tracks these outcomes before and after the 6-week training to assess changes in performance and strength.

High-Load, Low-Load, and Passive Blood Flow Restriction in Competitive Sprinters