Effects of ischemic training on leg exercise endurance

J Rehabil Res Dev. 2005 Jul-Aug;42(4):511-22. doi: 10.1682/jrrd.2004.06.0069.

Abstract

This study tested whether ischemic exercise training (Tr(IS+EX)) would increase endurance of ischemic (Ex(IS)) and ramp exercise (Ex(RA)) knee-extension tests more than exercise training (Tr(EX)) alone. Ten healthy subjects performed pre- and posttraining tests with each leg. For Ex(RA), after subjects warmed up, a weight was added each minute until they were exhausted. Ex(IS) was similar, but after warm-up, we inflated a thigh cuff to 150 mmHg instead of adding weights. One leg was chosen for Tr(IS+EX) (cuff inflated to 150 mmHg during exercise) and the other for Tr(EX), both with a small weight on each leg, four to six times per daily session for 3 to 5 min each, 5 days per week for 6 weeks. Ex(IS) duration increased 120% more (p = 0.002) in the Tr(IS+EX) leg than in the contralateral Tr(EX) leg, whereas Ex(RA) duration increased only 16% (nonsignificant). Tr(IS+EX )and Tr(EX) significantly attenuated the ventilation increase (ergoreflex) during Ex(IS). TheO(2) debt for Ex(IS )was significantly lower and systolic blood pressure recovery was faster after Tr(IS+EX) than after Tr(EX). Heart rate recovery after Ex(RA )andEx(IS )was faster after Tr(IS+EX). Apparently, Tr(IS+EX) with low-intensity resistance increases exercise endurance and attenuates the ergoreflex and therefore may be a useful tool to increase regional muscle endurance to improve systemic exercise capacity in patients.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Electromyography
  • Exercise / physiology*
  • Exercise Tolerance / physiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Ischemia / diagnosis
  • Ischemia / physiopathology*
  • Isometric Contraction / physiology
  • Knee Joint / physiology
  • Leg / physiopathology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Muscle Strength / physiology
  • Muscle, Skeletal / blood supply*
  • Muscle, Skeletal / physiology*
  • Oxygen Consumption / physiology
  • Physical Education and Training
  • Physical Fitness / physiology
  • Reference Values
  • Weight-Bearing / physiology
  • Work Capacity Evaluation