Low-load resistance training promotes muscular adaptation regardless of vascular occlusion, load, or volume.
OBJECTIVE
This study investigates the impact of two different intensities and different volumes of low-load resistance training (LLRT) with and without blood flow restriction on the adaptation of muscle strength and size.


METHODS
The sample was divided into five groups: one set of 20 % of one repetition maximum (1RM), three sets of 20 % of 1RM, one set of 50 % of 1RM, three sets of 50 % of 1RM, or control. LLRT was performed with (OC) or without (NOC) vascular occlusion, which was selected randomly for each subject. The maximal muscle strength (leg extension; 1RM) and the cross-sectional area (quadriceps; CSA) were assessed at baseline and after 8 weeks of LLRT.


RESULTS
1RM performance was increased in both groups after 8 weeks of training: OC (1 × 50 % = 20.6 %; 3 × 50 % = 20.9 %; 1 × 20 % = 26.6 %; 3 × 20 % = 21.6 %) and NOC (1 × 50 % = 18.6 %; 3 × 50 % = 26.8 %; 1 × 20 % = 18.5 %; 3 × 20 % = 21.6 %; 3 × 20 % = 24.7 %) compared with the control group (-1.7 %). Additionally, the CSA was increased in both groups: OC (1 × 50 % = 2.4 %; 3 × 50 % = 3.8 %; 1 × 20 % = 4.6 %; 3 × 20 % = 4.8 %) and NOC (1 × 50 % = 2.4 %; 3 × 50 % = 1.5 %; 1 × 20 % = 4.3 %; 3 × 20 % = 3.8 %) compared with the control group (-0.7 %). There were no significant differences between the OC and NOC groups.


CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that 8 weeks of LLRT until failure in novice young lifters, regardless of occlusion, load or volume, produces similar magnitudes of muscular hypertrophy and strength.
Exercise Biology Laboratory (BioEx), Federal University of Triangulo Mineiro (UFTM), Av. Tutunas, 490, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, 38061-500, Brazil.
Larissa Corrêa
LC
Barcelos
Paulo Ricardo Prado
PR
Nunes
Luís Ronan Marquez Ferreira
LR
de Souza
Anselmo Alves
AA
de Oliveira
Roberto
R
Furlanetto
Moacir
M
Marocolo
Fábio Lera
FL
Orsatti
D000222:Adaptation, Physiological / Q000502:physiology*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology*; D052097:Quadriceps Muscle / Q000098:blood supply / Q000502:physiology*; D012039:Regional Blood Flow / Q000502:physiology*; D055070:Resistance Training; D055815:Young Adult