The Effect of Low Intensity Eccentric Training with Blood Flow Restriction on Muscle Volume and Physical Function of Male Soccer Players

Resistance training is an important component of the exercise program in most sports. However, low intensity resistance training with blood flow restriction can also increase muscle strength and local endurance. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of low intensity eccentric resistance training with blood flow restriction on muscle volume and physical function of male soccer players. For this purpose, 40 soccer players were selected and randomly divided into four groups: traditional strength training (n=10), low intensity eccentric resistance training with blood flow restriction (n=10), intensified eccentric resistance training without blood flow restriction (n=10) and control (n=10). Before and after an eight-week training period, muscular strength and endurance tests were taken, and muscular hypertrophy according to ultrasound method was measured. ANOVA with repeated measures and Bonferroni post hoc tests were used to compare the variables between groups (P<0.05). The results indicated that the experimental groups of eccentric training with a blood flow restriction and traditional training compared with the control group had a significant increase in upper strength test (P<0.001). Also, there was no significant difference in the strength of the leg muscles between the groups. But, intra-group changes in all experimental groups showed a significant increase. Foot muscular endurance also showed a significant increase in all experimental groups. The results of the intergroup showed a significant increase between the traditional resistance training group and the eccentric resistant training group without blood flow restriction (P=0.001) and between the group of the traditional resistance training and the eccentric resistant training group with blood flow restriction in the control group (P=0.001). Also, there was no significant difference in upper endurance muscles (P=0.18), quadruple muscle hypertrophy (P=0.62) and hamstring (P=0.053). These three training protocols eccentric resistance training program with and without blood flow restriction and traditional have the same effects on muscular strength, endurance, and hypertrophy in soccer players. However, athletes and coaches are advised to use resistance training with blood flow restriction because of its lower load use.