Vol 16, Issue 4

Ischemic Preconditioning Improves the Bench-Press Maximal Strength in Resistance-Trained Men

June 15, 2023 - By 

Authors

Anderson Luiz Rodrigues, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro
Bernardo N. Ide Dr., Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro
Jeffer Eidi Sasaki, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro
Donizete Cicero X. de Oliveira Oliveira, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro
Claudio de Oliveira Assumpção, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro
Moacir Marocolo, Federal University of Juiz de Fora
Gustavo Mota, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro
International Journal of Exercise Science 16(4): 217-229, 2023.
DOI: 10.70252/JLBH8684

Abstract

We investigated whether acute ischemic preconditioning (IPC) would affect upper limb maximal strength performance in resistance-trained men. Using a counterbalanced randomized crossover design, fifteen men (29.9 ± 5.9 yrs.; 86.3 ± 9.6 kg; 8.0 ± 5.0 yrs. resistance training experience) performed one-repetition maximum (1-RM) bench press tests on three different occasions: control, 10 min post-IPC or 10 min post-placebo (SHAM). One-way analysis of variance showed that the post-IPC condition increased (P < 0.0001) 1-RM loads compared to both control and post-SHAM (control 113.3 ± 15.9 kg vs. SHAM 113.9 ± 15.8 kg vs. IPC 115.7 ± 15.6 kg), while control and SHAM did not differ (P > 0.05). Individual results showed that 13 participants (~87%) improved their performance post-IPC compared to control, and 11 participants (~73%) performed better post-IPC compared to post-SHAM. Reported session rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was lower (P < 0.0001) post-IPC (8.5 ± 0.6 arb.u) compared to control (9.3 ± 0.5 arb.u) and post-SHAM (9.3 ± 0.5 arb.u). Therefore, we conclude that IPC acutely improves upper limb maximal strength performance and reduces session-RPE in resistance-trained men. These results suggest an acute ergogenic effect of IPC for strength and power sports such as powerlifting.

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