The effect of intermittent lower limb occlusion on recovery following exercise-induced muscle damage: A randomized controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this investigation was to examine the effectiveness of intermittent lower limb occlusion in augmenting recovery from exercise induced muscle damage (EIMD) in physically active males.


METHODS
Randomized controlled trial, double blind.


METHODS
Sixteen healthy recreationally active male participants were randomly assigned to an intermittent occlusion (OCC; n=8) or control (SHAM; n=8) group. The EIMD protocol comprised of 100 drop-jumps, from a 0.6m box. Indices of muscle damage were creatine kinase (CK), thigh-circumference (TC), muscle soreness (DOMS), counter-movement jump (CMJ) and maximal isometric voluntary contraction (MIVC). Measurements were assessed pre, 24h, 48h and 72h following exercise.


RESULTS
There was a significant time effect for all indices of muscle damage suggesting EIMD was present following the exercise protocol. The decrease in MIVC was significantly attenuated in the OCC group compared to the SHAM group at 24 (90.4±10.7 vs. 81.5±6.7%), 48 (96.2±6.1 vs. 84.5±7.1%) and 72h (101.1±4.2 vs. 89.7±7.5%). The CK response was reduced in the OCC group at 24 (335±87 vs. 636±300 IU) and 48h (244±70 vs. 393±248 IU), compared to the SHAM group. DOMS was significantly lower in the OCC compared to the SHAM group at 24, 48 and 72h post EIMD. There was no effect of OCC on CMJ or TC.


CONCLUSIONS
This investigation shows that intermittent lower limb occlusion administered after a damaging bout of exercise reduces indices of muscle damage and accelerates the recovery in physically active males.
School of Sport, Health, and Applied Science, St. Mary's University, UK.
Will
W
Page
School of Sport, Health, and Applied Science, St. Mary's University, UK.
Rachael
R
Swan
School of Sport, Health, and Applied Science, St. Mary's University, UK. Electronic address: Stephen.Patterson@stmarys.ac.uk.
Stephen D
SD
Patterson
D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003402:Creatine Kinase / Q000097:blood; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000098:blood supply*; D008297:Male; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000502:physiology; D018763:Muscle Fatigue / Q000502:physiology; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000293:injuries / Q000503:physiopathology; D063806:Myalgia / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D055815:Young Adult
D003402:Creatine Kinase
Delayed onset muscle soreness; Eccentric exercise; Ischaemia; Muscle function; Vascular occlusion