Ischemic preconditioning does not enhance repeated sprint ability in team sport athletes

This study tested the hypothesis that ischemic preconditioning (IPC) would enhance the physiological processes associated with repeated sprint ability (RSA) and improve performance by reducing fatigue. In a randomised, single-blind, cross over study 10 active team sport playing participants (mean ± SD; age 23.3 ± 3.4 years, stature 1.76 ± 0.89 m, mass 72.5 ± 11.6 kg) completed six 40m (20 + 20 m) shuttle sprints following four 5 minute periods of unilateral limb occlusion with cuff pressure set at 55 mgHg over resting systolic blood pressure (IPC) and 20 mmHg (placebo). No significant differences were evident through all experimental measures; sprint time, blood lactate, jump height, heart rate and rate of perceived exertion when comparing IPC and placebo interventions. The results of this study suggest future application of IPC should not be considered to aid RSA within team sport athletes.