Assessment of the impact of occlusion training on upper limb muscle strength and endurance – preliminary study

Background
Occlusion training, also known as Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) training, involves partially restricting arterial blood flow and completely restricting venous blood flow in working muscles. It has been shown that BFR training, when combined with resistance, enhances the effectiveness of exercises compared to strength training without occlusion.

Aim
The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of occlusion training on upper limb muscle strength and endurance.

Material and methods
Thirty-seven men aged 19 to 26 participated in the study. Two experimental groups (one with occlusion and one without) and one control group were formed. The experimental groups trained three times a week for one month, totaling 12 training sessions. The training protocol involved performing repetitions of pull-ups. The occlusion group used floss bands on the proximal part of their arms. Before and after the training period, participants underwent tests to measure the maximum number of pull-ups, handgrip strength, and endurance.

Results
Occlusion training improved the maximum number of pull-ups significantly (p<0.001). However, no statistically significant improvement in endurance was observed (p=0.294).

Conclusions
Occlusion training of the upper limbs increases muscle strength but does not significantly affect muscle endurance.