The Effect of Special Training with Blood Flow Restriction on Serum Basal Levels of Growth Hormone, Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1, and Nitric Oxide Levels in Elite Rock Climbers

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Exercise Physiology٫ Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences٫ Central Tehran Branch٫ Islamic Azad University٫ Tehran٫ Iran

2 Department of Exercise Physiology٫ Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences٫ South Tehran Branch٫ Islamic Azad University٫ Tehran٫ Iran

Abstract

Background Purpose: Recently, the technique of restricting blood flow (BFR) has become more popular among researchers, physicians, physiotherapists, and coaches due to its anabolism effects. Given the importance of adaptive response of hormones and vascular function to exercise with BFR, this study examines the effect of BFR composition and rock climbing activity on the hormonal response of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor1 and plasma nitric oxide of elite rock climbers.
Methodology: In this quasi-experimental study with pre-test and post-test design, 20 climbers (weight: 61.55±8.69, fat percentage: 15.29±8.05 and age: 26.6±2.6) randomly divided into two training groups (5 men + 5 women each) with limited blood flow and no blood flow restriction. The training protocol was 4 weeks and 3 sessions of climbing training per week. Blood pressure was about 40 to 100 mm Hg. Blood sampling was performed at baseline at rest before and after exercise to determine growth hormone, IGF-I and nitric oxide levels. Also, the strength of the dominant hand grips was measured before and after the training period. Data were evaluated by using t-test.
Results: After climbing training, growth hormone and nitric oxide levels were significantly increased in the BFR group (p <0.05), but the amount of IGF-I was increased no significantly. The strength of the dominant hand grips increased significantly in both groups.
Conclusion: Climbing training with blood flow restriction improve anabolic processes, muscle strength, and vascular function.

Keywords


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