Hemodynamic response to resistance exercise with and without blood flow restriction in healthy subjects

Summary Purpose To compare the hemodynamic response during resistance exercise at high intensity (HI), low intensity (LI) and low intensity with blood flow restriction (LI‐BFR) in healthy subjects. Methods Twelve men performed three sets of unilateral knee extension exercises at LI‐BFR and LI (15 repetitions; 20% of 1RM) and HI (8 repetitions; 80% of 1RM). The blood flow restriction was accomplished using a sphygmomanometer positioned on the thigh and inflated to the point of blood flow interruption (167·9 ± 16·6 mmHg). The hemodynamic variables were obtained by continuous beat‐to‐beat photoplethysmography. Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and blood lactate were also measured. Results The HI session showed higher values (P