Abstract

This study investigated if resistance exercise performed at differing Arterial Occlusion Pressures (AOP) causes oxidative stress and muscle damage. Twelve males completed 4 sets of 10 repetitions of knee extension at 20% of 1RM, with 30 s rest intervals between sets, that varied only in the amount of restriction pressure applied: 1) CON (no pressure), 2) AOP-50 (50% of the total AOP), 3) AOP-75 (75% of the AOP), and 4) AOP-100 (100% of the AOP), with each condition separated by 7 days. Ratings of Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS), Maximal Isometric Strength (MIS), serum levels of Creatine Kinase (CK), Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH), Lipid Peroxide (LP), and the Antioxidant Activity of Plasma (AAP) were assessed at rest, 1, 24, and 48 h post-exercise. DOMS, MSI, CK, LP, and AAP did not differ among the conditions (p > 0.05) across the different time points, however, plasma levels of LDH were significantly lower (p < 0.01) at 24 h post-exercise (265.83 ± 17.55 UI/L) in comparison to 48 h post-exercise (294.96 ± 17.51 UI/L) averaged across all groups. It was concluded that resistance exercise with differing occlusion pressures does not cause prolonged muscle damage or oxidative stress, regardless of the amount of AOP.

Authors and Affiliations