Effects of different velocity loss thresholds in full squat with and without blood flow restriction on strength gains, neuromuscular adaptations, and muscle hypertrophy

Sánchez-Valdepeñas, Juan ; Asín-Izquierdo, Iván (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Cornejo-Daza, Pedro Jesús (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Mariscal, Gonzalo ; Romagnoli, Ruggero ; Alcazar, Julian ; González-Badillo, Juan José ; Saez de Villarreal, Eduardo ; Pareja-Blanco, Fernando

Resumen: ABSTRACTThis study aimed to analyze the effects of four full‐squat (SQ) training programs that differed in the blood flow condition [free flow (FF) versus restricted (BFR)] and in the velocity loss (VL) induced within the set (20% vs. 40%) on strength gains and muscle hypertrophy. Fifty‐two strength‐trained men followed an 8‐week (16 sessions) SQ training program from 55% to 70% 1‐repetition maximum (1RM) (FF20: n = 14; BFR20: n = 13; FF40: n = 12; BFR40: n = 13). The number of sets n = 13 per session and the inter‐set recovery periods (2 min) were matched between groups. A 50% arterial occlusion pressure was applied and maintained during the inter‐set recovery for BFR groups. The following tests were carried out before and after the training intervention: (1) cross‐sectional area of the vastus lateralis (ACSA); (2) countermovement jump; (3) progressive loading SQ test; and (4) fatigue SQ test. No significant BFR × VL × time interactions were observed. For 1RM and strength‐derived outcomes from the progressive loading test, significant VL × time interactions (p = 0.01–0.05) in favor of 20% VL groups were found. Regarding jump performance, a significant VL × time interaction (p = 0.02) also favored the 20% VL groups. A BFR × time interaction (p = 0.02) was observed in favor of the BFR condition for ACSA. Prescribing a certain level of effort through VL results in similar jump and strength performance improvements, regardless of blood flow condition, with optimal gains achieved at a moderate VL threshold (20%). Additionally, the BFR condition maximized muscle hypertrophy compared to FF, making it a valuable strategy for muscle growth.

Idioma: Inglés

DOI: 10.1111/sms.70090

Año: 2025

Publicado en: Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports 35, 6 (2025), e70090 [12 pp.]
ISSN: 0905-7188

Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/ISCIII/CB16-10-00477
Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/MICINN/FPU19/00891
Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/MICINN/PID2020-117915RA-I00

Tipo y forma: Artículo (PostPrint)

Área (Departamento): Área Didáctica Expres.Corporal (Dpto. Expres.Music.Plást.Corp.)