The acute effects of blood flow restriction exercise on explosive power performance in the lower extremities of young football players

It is well-established that post-activation potentiation (PAP) is an effective method for enhancing performance. However, loading with heavy weights before training or competition can lead to fatigue and increase the risk of injury in athletes. Therefore, blood flow restriction (BFR) exercises, which have become widely used in recent years, are considered a potential alternative to traditional methods. In this context, it is hypothesized that combining PAP with BFR exercises may offer additional benefits. The aim of this study is to examine the acute effects of BFR exercises on explosive power performance in young football players. A total of 24 male football players (age: 18.29±0.69 years, height: 177.23±6.75 cm, body weight: 68.4±6.69 kg, training experience: 9.29±2.42 years) from the U-19 category voluntarily participated in this study. During the 4-week study period, the football players were randomly assigned into six groups of four using a randomized crossover design. Practical blood flow restriction (pBFR) bands, adjusted to the pressure level described as ''heavy pressure'' according to perceived exertion, were used before performing the isometric squat exercise. On the first day, the following tests were performed: the first group performed a sprint test (ST) after the warm-up; the second group performed an active jump test (AJT) after the warm-up; the third group performed 10 repetitions of the isometric squat exercise with 40% load and pBFR followed by a sprint test (BFRST); the fourth group performed 10 repetitions of the isometric squat exercise with 40% load and pBFR followed by an active jump test (BFRAJT); the fifth group performed 10 repetitions of the isometric squat exercise with 85% of 1RM load followed by a sprint test (1RMST); and the sixth group performed 10 repetitions of the isometric squat exercise with 85% of 1RM load followed by an active jump test (1RMAJT). The differences between the obtained values were analyzed using repeated measures variance analysis. To determine the source of the differences, Bonferroni post hoc tests were conducted. When comparing the results of the sprint and active jump tests after applying different methods on the football players, the findings were as follows: ST (3.11±0.1 s), AJT (35.6±5.32 cm), BFRST (3.06±0.09 s), BFRAJT (38.42±5.78 cm), 1RMST (3.08±0.96 s), and 1RMAJT (37.84±5.67 cm). Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference between the sprint values obtained from the BFRST group and the sprint values obtained from other methods (p<0.05). Based on the data obtained from this study, it is suggested that BFR exercises may be applicable and yield better results, particularly as an acute effect on speed performance.