Author(s): Salam Sabah Obayes

Abstract:
Blood flow restriction (BFR) training is an emerging technique that combines low-intensity resistance exercises with external vascular occlusion to enhance muscular adaptations. This study investigated the effects of low-intensity resistance training combined with BFR on muscular strength, endurance, running economy, and perceived exertion in football players. A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 20 football players (age: 2025 years) randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n=10) receiving BFR-augmented low-intensity resistance training (2030% 1RM) or a control group (n=10) performing the same exercises without BFR for 8 weeks (3 sessions/week). Muscular strength was assessed via one-repetition maximum (1RM) testing, muscular endurance via repetition maximum at fixed load, running economy via VO₂max analysis, and perceived exertion via the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale. Results demonstrated statistically significant improvements in muscular strength (p=0.001), muscular endurance (p=0.001), and running economy (p=0.009) in the experimental group compared to controls. Additionally, the experimental group exhibited a gradual decrease in perceived exertion across the training period (p

DOI: 10.22271/kheljournal.2025.v12.i6h.4142

Pages: 541-546  |  154 Views  69 Downloads

Download Full Article: Click Here