High Intensity Resistance Training Combined With Blood Flow Restricted Exercise in Elite Handball Players

High Intensity Resistance Training Combined With Blood Flow Restricted Exercise in Elite Handball Players

High Intensity Resistance Training Combined With Blood Flow Restricted Exercise in Elite Handball Players

Purpose of the study is: to investigate the effects of 8 weeks intervention of high intensity resistance training(HIRT) combined with Blood Flow Restricted Exercise (BFRE) compared to high intensity resistance training alone. Detailed Description: 30 elite handball players will be randomized into 2 groups of 15 participants each. Participants will be evaluated in the week before and the week after an 8-weeks training intervention with 2 weekly sessions. Based on their baseline muscle strength the participants will be randomized into two groups: HIRT-BFRE or HIRT-HIRT. Participants in both groups will perform a full-body training programme of HIRT. After the Full-body programme, Back squat exercise with low intensity and Blood flow restriction will be performed to the HIRT-BFRE group and back squat exercise with high intensity without blood flow restriction will be performed by HIRT-HIRT. Evaluation protocol includes: muscle strength measurement with 1 repetition maximum of Back squat and knee extension, muscle mass with Dual-Energy X-ray absorptiometry, muscle thickness of the thigh with ultra sound measurement, vertical jump height with linear Encoder, sprint performance with 30m sprint time.

A full-training programme with high intensity followed by back squat exercise with blood flow restriction. Inflatable cuffs will be placed proximally on both thighs. The cuff pressure will be 50% of individual arterial occlusion pressure and will be maintained during the rest intervals. Participants will perform 30, 15, 15 and 15 repetitions of 30% of 1 Repetition Maximum. Totally 75 repetitions will be performed. 45 seconds rest interval between sets will be given.

Baseline measurements at week 1, after four weeks of exercise at week 5 and post intervention at week 10.

Change in jump height. Change in vertical jump height (in cm, with Chronojump Linear Encoder Kit). Participants will perform a counter movement jump and jump as high as possible. The jump height will be recorded.

Sprint performance. Change in sprint time (in seconds, with Witt speed gates). Participant will perform a 30-meter sprint on an indoor handball court. The time to perform a 30-meter sprint will be recorded.

Inclusion Criteria: Age >= 18 years Ds Minimum of 2 years of resistance training experience >< Two resistance training sessions each week >< three handball sessions each week No injuries that prevent participants to perform test of maximal muscle strength No injuries, that affects the muscle strength or the ability to train Exclusion Criteria: Elevated blood pressure (>140/90) Anabolic steroids or prescription-only medical products with know or potential effect on muscle hypertrophy