Effect of blood flow restriction on metabolic rate and fat oxidation during and after high-intensity intermittent exercise in active male students

Given the role of blood flow restriction in causing more hemodynamic stress, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of blood flow restriction on the metabolic rate and substrate oxidation during and after high-intensity intermittent exercise (HIIE) in male active students.

For this purpose, 10 male active students, selected and in a cross-over design performed 2 separate sessions of HIIE without and with restriction of blood flow. In this program, four 30-second Wingate tests (75 g/kg body weight) with a 5-minute rest interval were performed. To restrict blood flow, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and hip circumference were measured in a separate session using a digital barometer and tape meter. Then, by inserting the values obtained in the formula (lower trunk arterial occlusion), the point of obstruction of blood flow was determined. Under restrictive blood flow, only during four 30-second Wingate tests, the femoral blood flow was limited by an elastic band to 40% of the obstruction point. The volume of oxygen consumed and carbon dioxide produced were collected 5 minutes before, during and 30 minutes after the intended activity. Statistical analysis was performed using repeated-measures ANOVA.

According to the results, no significant differences were observed between the two groups in the studied variables. Although, restriction of blood flow significantly increased oxygen consumption during (p=0.0001) and after HIIE (p=0.045), however, fat utilization Increased only after HIIE (p=0.002).

Given the higher oxygen consumption and energy expenditure in the post-workout period in the restricted blood group, this intervention may be useful for people seeking to lose or control weight if used over a longer period.