Effects of Aerobic Blood Flow Restriction

University of the Balearic Islands20 enrolled

Overview

The aim is to evaluate the effects of aerobic blood flow restriction on academy football players. Randomized clinical trial, with two intervention groups: Experimental group I will carry out training based on running on the treadmill using blood flow restriction (BFR) on match days 4 and 3 pre-competition (MD-4, MD-3). On the other hand, the Experimental II group will perform the same training without the use of BFR for 6 weeks. The study will be carried out during the 2023-2024 season in the National and Youth Honor Divisions of Spanish soccer, with soccer teams from Mallorca Island. Before and after 6 weeks of intervention, the countermovement jump (CMJ), maximum aerobic speed (MAS), VO2max, and repeat sprint ability will be evaluated. The levels of muscle soreness (DOMS) will be evaluated at MD-4, MD-3, and MD-2. The same procedure will be carried out to evaluate muscle fatigue, sleep quality, and stress through a questionnaire. Sociodemographic and anthropometric data will be collected before starting the study. In addition, the rate of exertion perceived will be evaluated at MD-4, MD-3, and MD-2.

The warm-up will consist of federation Internationale football association (FIFA) 11+. In addition, the warm-up will contain a familiarization with the jump test.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

QUADRUPLE

Enrollment

Conditions

Aerobic Exercise

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Change from Baseline in Countermovement Jump (CMJ)

CMJ Test measured by Force Platform (Vald Performance, Brisbane, Australia)

Time frame: Change from Baseline in countermovement Jump (CMJ Test) at 6 weeks

Change from Baseline in Treadmill Incremental Test

Maximum Aerobic Speed (MAS) measured by the Treadmill Incremental test

Time frame: Change from Baseline in Maximum Aerobic Speed at 6 Weeks

Change from Baseline in Repeat Sprint Ability

Repeat Sprint Ability measured by the Bangsbo Test

Time frame: Change from Baseline in Repeat Sprint Ability at 6 Weeks

Change from Baseline In Yoyo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1

Vo2max Indirect measured by the Yoyo Intermittent Recovery Test Level I

Time frame: Change from Baseline in Yoyo Intermittent Recovery Level 1 at 6 Weeks

Secondary Outcomes

Change from Baseline in Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE)

Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) measured by Borg scale (0=Rest; 1=Really easy; 2=easy; 3=moderate; 4=sort of hard; 5=hard; 6=hard; 7=Really hard; 8= Really hard; 9= Really, really, hard; 10= Maximal)

Time frame: Change from Baseline in RPE at Match Day -4 (MD-4), MD-3, MD-2 during the 6 Weeks´ Intervention

Change from Baseline in Fatigue

Fatigue measured by a Wellness Questionary (1= Always tired; 2=More tired than normal; 3=Normal; 4= Fresh; 5= Very fresh)

Time frame: Change from Baseline in Fatigue at Match Day -4 (MD-4), MD-3, MD-2 during the 6 Weeks´ Intervention

Change from Baseline in Muscle Soreness

Muscle Soreness measured by a Wellness Questionary (1=Very sore; 2= Increase in soreness/ tightness; 3=Normal; 4=Feeling good; 5=Feeling great)

Time frame: Change from Baseline in Muscle Soreness at Match Day -4 (MD-4), MD-3, MD-2 during the 6 Weeks´ Intervention

Change from Baseline in Sleep Quality

Sleep Quality measured by a Wellness Questionary (1=Insomnia; 2=Restless sleep; 3=Difficulty falling asleep; 4=good; 5=Very restful)

Time frame: Change from Baseline in Sleep Quality at Match Day -4 (MD-4), MD-3, MD-2 during the 6 Weeks´ Intervention

Change from Baseline in Stress

Stress measured by a Wellness Questionary (1=Highly stressed; 2=Feeling stressed; 3=Normal; 4=Relaxed; 5=Very relaxed)

Time frame: Change from Baseline in Stress at Match Day -4 (MD-4), MD-3, MD-2 during the 6 Weeks´ Intervention

Change from Baseline in Mood

Mood measured by a Wellness Questionary (1=Highly annoyed / irritable / down; 2=Snappy with team-mates, family and friends; 3=Less interested in others / activities; 4=Generally good mood; 5=Very positive mood)