This study aimed to evaluate the effects of ischemic preconditioning on lower limb explosive power and post-exercise recovery in basketball players during a 6-week post-season recovery training period. Thirty-four male collegiate basketball players were randomly assigned to either an IPC group or a placebo control group. Bilateral lower limb IPC intervention (3 cycles, each consisting of 5-minute ischemia at 220 mmHg and 5-minute reperfusion, twice per week for 6 weeks) was administered before routine basketball training sessions. Lower limb explosive power, as well as physiological, biochemical, and morphological indices, were assessed before and after the intervention.
Background: Lower limb explosive power is crucial for basketball performance, and effective recovery strategies are key to maintaining training quality. Ischemic preconditioning (IPC) is a non-invasive, economical, and safe method that triggers endogenous protective mechanisms through brief ischemia-reperfusion cycles, showing potential in enhancing athletic performance and metabolic efficiency. However, the effects of IPC on lower limb explosive power during post-match recovery in basketball players remain understudied. Objective: To investigate the effects of a 6-week repeated remote ischemic preconditioning on lower limb explosive power, phosphagen energy system capacity, and physical recovery in male college basketball players. Design: A randomized, parallel-group, placebo-controlled trial with concealed allocation. Participants were randomly assigned to either the IPC experimental group (n=17) or the placebo control group (n=17). Both groups participated in the same regular basketball sessions. The experimental group received bilateral thigh IPC intervention (3×5 minutes, 220 mmHg) before each training session, while the control group received a placebo intervention (3×5 minutes, 20 mmHg). The intervention was administered twice a week for 6 weeks (30 minutes per session). Secondary endpoints: Urinary creatinine coefficient, 10-second maximal load test (blood lactate increment, peak power, mean power), hematological parameters (red blood cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, white blood cell count), serum testosterone, cortisol, testosterone/cortisol ratio, body composition (body weight, body fat percentage, BMI), and training load monitoring (heart rate, RPE, urine protein).
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
34
Bilateral thigh compression was applied using a Theratools pneumatic cuff (T-bfr-0475). Three cycles, each consisting of 5 minutes of ischemia (pressure 220 mmHg) and 5 minutes of reperfusion (total 30 minutes), were performed before regular basketball training sessions. The intervention was conducted twice per week for 6 weeks. Cuff placement: at the inguinal crease of the thigh. Subject position: supine, alternating between left and right legs.
Identical procedure to IPC group except cuff pressure maintained at 20 mmHg (non-ischemic), applied before regular basketball training. Twice weekly for 6 weeks.
Guangzhou Sport University
Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
RECRUITINGSquat Jump (SJ) height
Change from baseline in lower extremity concentric explosive power measured by Smart Jump portable contact mat (cm).
Time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 8)
Countermovement Jump (CMJ) height
Change from baseline in lower extremity reactive explosive power without arm swing (cm).
Time frame: Baseline and Week 8
Reactive Strength Index (RSI)
Change from baseline in RSI derived from 30cm drop jump using Smart Jump system (m/s). The RSI was calculated as jump height divided by ground contact time, with higher values indicating better reactive strength capacity in athletes (i.e., shorter ground contact times and greater jump heights). The observed range of RSI in the present study was \[minimum value\]-\[maximum value\] m/s.
Time frame: Baseline and Week 8
Standing Long Jump
Change from baseline in lower extremity horizontal explosive power (cm).
Time frame: Baseline and Week 8
T-Test (T-run)
Change from baseline in multi-directional agility performance (seconds).
Time frame: Baseline and Week 8
3/4 Court Sprint
Change from baseline in linear sprint speed over 3/4 basketball court distance (\~21m, seconds).
Time frame: Baseline and Week 8
Blood Lactate Accumulation
Change in blood lactate accumulation during 10-second maximal load test (mmol/L).
Time frame: Baseline and Week 8
Peak Power (10s Test)
Change from baseline in peak power output during 10-second maximal load test on Monark 828E cycle ergometer (Watts).
Time frame: Baseline and Week 8
Mean Power (10s Test)
Change from baseline in mean power output during 10-second maximal load test (Watts).
Time frame: Baseline and Week 8
Testosterone/Cortisol Ratio
Change from baseline in T/C ratio (×10-²).
Time frame: Baseline and Week 8
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