The effect of intermittent lower limb occlusion on recovery following exercise-induced muscle damage: A randomized controlled trial

Objectives: The purpose of this investigation was to examine the effectiveness of intermittent lower limb occlusion in augmenting recovery from exercise induced muscle damage (EIMD) in physically active males. Design: Randomized controlled trial, double blind. Methods: Sixteen healthy recreationally active male participants were randomly assigned to an inter- mittent occlusion (OCC; n = 8) or control (SHAM; n = 8) group. The EIMD protocol comprised of 100 drop-jumps, from a 0.6 m box. Indices of muscle damage were creatine kinase (CK), thigh-circumference (TC), muscle soreness (DOMS), counter-movement jump (CMJ) and maximal isometric voluntary con- traction (MIVC). Measurements were assessed pre, 24 h, 48 h and 72 h following exercise. Results: There was a significant time effect for all indices of muscle damage suggesting EIMD was present following the exercise protocol. The decrease in MIVC was significantly attenuated in the OCC group compared to the SHAM group at 24 (90.4 ± 10.7 vs. 81.5 ± 6.7%), 48 (96.2 ± 6.1 vs. 84.5 ± 7.1%) and 72 h (101.1 ± 4.2 vs. 89.7 ± 7.5%). The CK response was reduced in the OCC group at 24 (335 ± 87 vs. 636 ± 300 IU) and 48 h (244 ± 70 vs. 393 ± 248 IU), compared to the SHAM group. DOMS was significantly lower in the OCC compared to the SHAM group at 24, 48 and 72 h post EIMD. There was no effect of OCC on CMJ or TC. Conclusions: This investigation shows that intermittent lower limb occlusion administered after a dam- aging bout of exercise reduces indices of muscle damage and accelerates the recovery in physically active males.