The effect of special training with blood flow restriction on serum basal levels of growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor-1, and nitric oxide levels in elite rock climbers

Recently, the technique of restricting blood flow (BFR) has become more popular among researchers, physicians, physiotherapists, and coaches due to its anabolism effects. Given the importance of adaptive response of hormones and vascular function to exercise with BFR, this study examines the effect of BFR composition and rock climbing activity on the hormonal response of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor1 and plasma nitric oxide of elite rock climbers.

In this quasi-experimental study with pre-test and post-test design. 20 climbers (weight: 61.55±8.69, fat percentage: 15.29±8.05 and age: 26.6±2.6) as accidentally, they were divided into two training groups (5 men + 5 women each) with limited blood flow and no blood flow restriction. The training protocol was 4 weeks and 3 sessions of climbing training per week. Blood pressure was about 40 to 100 mm Hg. Blood sampling was performed at baseline at rest before and after exercise to determine growth hormone, IGF-I, and nitric oxide levels. Also, the strength of the dominant hand grips was measured before and after the training period. Data were evaluated using spss v16 statistical software and paired t-test and p <0.05.

After climbing training, only a significant increase was observed in the basal level of growth hormone and nitric oxide, but the basal level of IGF-I showed a low increase. And the strength of the dominant hand grips increased in both groups.

Apparently, climbing exercises with blood flow restriction improve anabolic processes, muscle strength, and vascular function.