The impact of acute blood-flow-restriction resistance exercise on somatosensory-evoked potentials in healthy adults

Blood-flow-restriction exercise (BFR_EX) is an emerging method to stimulate hypertrophy and strength without the need for high training loads. However, the impact of BFR_EX concerning somatosensory processing remains elusive. Here, we aimed to investigate the acute effects of BFR_EX on somatosensory processing in healthy adults using somatosensory-evoked potentials (SEPs). Twelve healthy adults (23.0 ± 3.2 years of age) participated in a randomized crossover experiment, consisting of three experimental conditions: application of blood-flow restriction without resistance exercise (BFR), resistance exercise for multiple sets with blood-flow restriction (BFR_EX) and traditional resistance exercise (unilateral biceps curls) for multiple sets without BFR (EX). SEP measurements were recorded bilaterally before, during and after each condition. SEP amplitudes were largely unaffected during various occlusive conditions. Nonetheless, our findings demonstrate a significant decrease in N9 latencies for condition EX compared with BFR, specifically in the exercised limb (mean difference = −0.26 ms, SE = 0.06 ms, P = 0.002, d = −0.335). This study provides evidence on the lack of impact of BFR_EX within the somatosensory domain, according to current guidelines. As an alternative method to traditional high-load resistance exercise, BFR_EX might offer a considerable upside for rehabilitative settings by reducing strain on the musculoskeletal system.