Effects of strength training in Smith press with partial blood flow restriction on jump performance.

Low-intensity strength training with partial blood flow restriction has demonstrated its efficiency in provoking functional adaptations that allow an increase in absolute muscle size and strength, as well as in improving objective measures of physical functionality related to life activities. It has been proposed as a training method equivalent to traditional moderate and high intensity models, with relevant benefits for populations less tolerant or unable to train at high loads. Unfortunately, the information available on its effects on explosive actions, such as jumping ability, is so far less conclusive. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of twelve sessions of Smith press squats, utilizing low-intensity strength training with partial blood flow restriction, and high-intensity strength training on squat jump and countermovement jump performance, as well as the perceived intensity during training sessions. Recreational college athletes were divided into two intervention groups partial blood flow restriction and high-intensity resistance training and engaged in a four-week training regimen. Squat jump and countermovement jump flight times and pre-stretch increases were assessed at the beginning and end of the training protocol. Perceptual intensity was measured during four sessions of both training sessions. Squat jump performance increased at the end of both workouts, although the greatest difference occurred with high-intensity strength training. For the countermovement jump, only partial restriction of blood flow produced an increase in performance. Only high-intensity resistance training produced a change in prestretch augmentation. Perceptual intensity was greater in high-intensity strength training. The results demonstrate that low-intensity training with partial blood flow restriction is a useful alternative to improve squat jump and countermovement jump performance, producing a lower perceptual intensity in recreational athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]