The effect of low‐intensity suspension training with blood flow restriction on GH, IGF‐1, and their association with physical fitness in young women

Abstract

Abstract Blood flow restriction (BFR) has been incorporated in resistance training for over 20 years. We aimed to investigate the impact of low‐intensity suspension training with BFR (LIST+BFR) on GH, IGF‐1, and their association with physical fitness in young women. Thirty‐six active women participated and were randomly assigned to either the high‐intensity suspension training (HIST), LIST+BFR, or control (CON) groups. Training groups exercised three sessions weekly for 8 weeks. The CON only engaged in regular physical activity. Fasting serum hormones and physical fitness were assessed 48 h before and after the training intervention. GH and IGF‐1 levels significantly higher in the LIST+BFR compared to the HIST and CON. These hormones were significantly higher by HIST, compared to CON. LIST+BFR led to significant enhancements in muscular strength and endurance compared to HIST and CON. Additionally, HIST significantly higher than compared to CON. Sprinting and agility time lower in both suspension training groups rather than the CON. No significant between‐groups differences were found in weight. There was a large or moderate correlation between GH and IGF‐1 and muscular strength, endurance, sprint, and agility performance. LIST+BFR could more enhanced GH, IGF‐1, and muscular strength and endurance in females than HIST.

Keywords

• blood flow restriction
• GH
• IGF‐1
• physical fitness
• suspension training