Effects of exercises combined with blood flow restriction on strength, joint position sense and functional motor performance in healthy individuals.

Objective: The purpose of the study is to investigate the effects of exercises combined with blood flow restriction on strength, joint position sense (JPS) and functional motor performance in healthy individuals. Methods: Sixty healthy participants were randomly divided into two groups: blood flow-restricted elbow bending exercise has been applied to the experimental group (EG) three times a week for 6 weeks. The control group (CG) received no exercise. Biceps brachii and triceps brachii muscle strength, shoulder and elbow JPS, functional motor performance evaluations (Closed Kinetic Upper Extremity Stabilization Test [CKUEST], Functional Throwing Performance Index [FTPI], Single Arm Shot Put [SASP], Modified Pull-Up Test [MPUT]) were performed at the baseline and at the end of the 6th week. Results: Biceps brachii and triceps brachii muscle strength, shoulder JPS measured at 100º abduction, 45º internal rotation and 75º eksternal rotation, elbow JPS measured at 45º, 60º and 75º flexion and functional motor performance results assessed with CKUEST, FTPI, SASP, MPUT improved after 6 weeks of exercise (p<0.05). Furthermore, in measurements conducted at the end of the 6th week, significant improvements were found for all assessment results of experimental group compared to control group (p<0.05). It was found that the assessment results of the control group, taken at the baseline and after 6 weeks were not different (p>0.05). Conclusion: Exercises combined with blood flow restriction is a safe and effective method for improving elbow muscle strength, shoulder and elbow JPS, and upper extremity functional motor performance. Key words: Blood flow restriction, resistance exercises, strength, performance, proprioception