Abstract

Competitive long-distance running can result in overuse injuries which may hinder participation and success. Reducing running frequency and intensity can lead to detraining, meaning losing fitness. Blood flow restricted exercise is a rehabilitative training method wherein a pressurized cuff is applied to the upper portion of the upper or lower extremities, reducing blood flow. Blood flow restriction can be applied to low-intensity aerobic exercise such as running or walking and may elicit higher cardiorespiratory and metabolic responses than training without blood flow restriction, though still lower than that of high-intensity training. For this reason, runners could benefit from low-intensity blood flow restriction training in periods of detraining. By comparing continuous aerobic protocols of low-intensity blood flow restricted and high-intensity running, the acute responses can be better understood, and can then be applied to future training studies on rehabilitation and return to sport protocols. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare cardiorespiratory and metabolic factors during an acute bout of continuous low-intensity running with blood flow restriction and high-intensity running without blood flow restriction. I hypothesized that heart rate, oxygen consumption, blood lactate, and ratings of perceived exertion would be the same in continuous low-intensity running with blood flow restriction and high-intensity running without blood flow restriction. Similar to previous studies, my results showed that high-intensity running elicited the greatest acute responses in average heart rates and oxygen consumption, followed by low-intensity blood flow restriction, then the low-intensity control. I observed some similarities in blood lactate values for low intensity with blood flow restriction and high-intensity exercise. Ratings of perceived exertion were also similar between these two exercise conditions.

Publication Date

Spring 2023

Journal Title

Inquiry Journal

Mentor

Summer Cook

Publisher

Durham, NH: Hamel Center for Undergraduate Research, University of New Hampshire

Document Type

Article

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