The effect of Low-Intensity Cycling Exercise Combined with Blood Flow Restriction on VO2max, Muscle Strength, and Muscle Thickness | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article The effect of Low-Intensity Cycling Exercise Combined with Blood Flow Restriction on VO 2 max, Muscle Strength, and Muscle Thickness Gönül YAVUZ, Zait Burak AKTUĞ, Serkan İBİŞ, Necdet Eray PİŞKİN, and 2 more This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-6888223/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Under Review Version 1 posted 10 You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Background The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of low-intensity cycling exercise combined with blood flow restriction (BFR) on VO 2 max, muscle strength, and muscle thickness. Methods Twenty-four sedentary male participants volunteered for the study and were divided into three groups, each consisting of eight individuals: cycling exercise group (CEG; 40% VO 2 max, 40 minutes), cycling exercise with blood flow restriction group (CBFRG; 40% VO 2 max, limb occlusion pressure (LOP) at 60–80%, 15 min), and control group (CG; 40% VO 2 max, 15 minutes). The isokinetic knee strength parameters, muscle thickness, and VO 2 max values of participants were measured twice, at the beginning of the study and at the end of the ninth week. Data were analysed using two-way repeated measures ANOVA. Results The analysis revealed significant improvements in muscle thickness and VO 2 max parameters favouring post-tests for both the CEG and the CBFRG. In inter-group comparisons, significant advantages for the CBFRG were identified in the respiratory exchange ratio (RER) and vastus lateralis (VL) muscle thickness in both legs. Other parameters showed similar improvements across the groups. Additionally, peak torque (PT) at an angular velocity 180° s−1 in the left leg quadriceps (Q, F = 5.53; p = 0.021; η²=0.34) and mean power (MP) in the right leg quadriceps demonstrated significant benefits for the CBFRG. Conclusions The study concludes that low-intensity cycling combined with BFR significantly enhances VO 2 max, muscle strength, and muscle thickness, with improvements comparable to those obtained from high-intensity cycling exercises. Therefore, low-intensity cycling exercise with BFR can be considered a robust alternative to traditional high-intensity cycling exercises. Trial registration: Current Controlled Trials NCT07114835 08/08/2025 Blood flow restriction aerobic capacity VO2max muscle strength muscle thickness INTRODUCTION New exercise methods aimed at improving aerobic capacity have become a significant area of research for coaches and practitioners alike. A high level of aerobic capacity enhances not only athletic performance [ 1 – 3 ] and recovery ability [ 4 ] but also contributes positively to various health-related parameters [ 5 ]. In terms of developing aerobic capacity and performance parameters, it is widely accepted that high-intensity or prolonged exercise methods are necessary [ 6 , 7 ]. However, when implementing high-intensity or long-duration exercise protocols is not feasible or during periods of reduced exercise intensity, it is important to use alternative methods that can enhance both muscular strength and aerobic capacity simultaneously. These methods enable the achievement of similar physiological adaptations in a more sustainable and practical way [ 8 ]. In this context, it would be more advantageous to employ an exercise method that can improve both muscular strength and aerobic capacity within a single training protocol. One such method combines exercise types with the Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) technique. Exercises performed with the BFR method induce metabolic stress through certain mechanisms generated by cuff pressure, even during low-intensity activities. This is why the method has become increasingly popular in recent years. Its popularity primarily stems from its ability to induce physiological adaptations comparable to those achieved through high-intensity exercise [ 9 ]. The physiological changes observed in the BFR method stem from the accumulation of high metabolic by-products. This facilitates the recruitment of more motor units during contraction, increases lactic acid tolerance and promotes the organism’s adaptation to this stressful environment. This contributes to improvements in muscular strength and fatigue resistance [ 10 ]. While the blood flow restriction (BFR) method is typically employed alongside fitness equipment to improve strength, it can also be combined with cycling, running and walking exercises to boost aerobic capacity [ 11 ]. Studies suggest that combining low-intensity exercises with BFR can increase muscle volume and strength [ 12 , 13 ]. However, there are conflicting findings regarding its effects on VO₂ max: while some studies report improvements [ 14 ], others observe no significant changes [ 13 , 15 ].Based on these findings, the hypothesis of our study is as follows: “Low-intensity, short-duration cycling exercise performed with the BFR method yields similar or greater improvements in VO₂max, muscle strength and muscle thickness compared to long-duration cycling exercises of the same intensity.” MATERIAL AND METHOD Study Design The study involved three exercise groups: The Control Group (CG) performed 40 minutes of cycling at 40% of VO₂max on an Astrand cycle ergometer; the Cycling with Blood Flow Restriction Group (CBFRG) performed 15 minutes of cycling at 40% of VO₂max on the same ergometer with LOP (Limb Occlusion Pressure) applied at 60–80%; and the Cycling Exercise Group (CEG) performed 15 minutes of cycling at 40% of VO₂max without occlusion. Prior to the implementation of the exercise protocols, the participants underwent a series of preliminary assessments in the following order: Day 1: body height, weight and muscle thickness measurements; Day 2: isokinetic strength testing; Day 3: rest; and Day 4: VO₂max testing. Then, 40% of the participants’ VO₂max was calculated. Their exercise intensities were also determined. Excluding a one-week adaptation period, the exercise programmes were carried out for eight weeks, three days per week. Measurements were conducted at the beginning of the study and at the end of the ninth week to monitor the participants’ progress throughout the exercise intervention. Participants To determine the sample size, “Test family: t test; Statistical test: Means: Differerence between two dependent means (matched paires)” was used. The G*Power 3.1.9.2 software was used to calculate the minimum required number of participants, which was found to be 18, based on a 5% margin of error and 80% statistical power. Initially, 30 male volunteers who were not actively engaged in sports were recruited for the study. After applying the exclusion criteria, which included a history of lower extremity injury (n = 4), respiratory disorders (n = 1) and refusal to participate (n = 1), a total of six individuals were excluded in the initial phase. Thus, the study commenced with 24 male participants. Each group consisted of eight participants who completed the protocol and final post-tests were conducted and analysed accordingly. All participants were healthy individuals who did not engage in regular physical activity (Table 1 ). Table 1 Demographic variables of the participants CEG CBFRG CG Age (years) 20,63±,74 21,88 ± 1,64 20,87 ± 1,12 Height (cm) 180,63 ± 4,68 181,38 ± 7,94 180,1 ± 7,68 Body weight (kg) 74,25 ± 8,97 77,1 ± 7,18 75,1 ± 15,83 Body mass index (kg/m 2 ) 22,80 ± 2,57 23,57 ± 3,21 23,08 ± 4,28 Table 1 insert here Applied Measurements Muscle Thickness Measurement via Ultrasonography (USG) Muscle thickness was measured using an ultrasonography device (Toshiba, Aplio 500, Tokyo, Japan1) equipped with an electronic calliper sensitive to 0.1 mm and were calculated using the device’s built-in software. The regions of the Q, RF, and VL muscles were identified at the midpoint of the distance between the anterior superior iliac spine and the superior pole of the patella for the measurements. For the biceps femoris BF muscle, the measurement site was located at the midpoint between the ischial tuberosity and the popliteal fossa, aligned over the sciatic nerve. Isokinetic Strength Measurement Lower extremity (knee) isokinetic strength measurements were conducted on the participants using an Isomed 2000 isokinetic dynamometer (Humac Norm Testing and Rehabilitation System, CSMI, USA). Before these assessments, participants completed a 10-minute warm-up on a cycle ergometer at 60–70 rpm. The measurement device was then adjusted to fit each participant’s anthropometric characteristics. Concentric–concentric contractions were measured for right and left knee extension and flexion, with five repetitions at an angular velocity of 60° s−1 and fifteen repetitions at 180° s−1 . Prior to each angular velocity test, participants performed three familiarisation trials, followed by a 30-second rest. Additionally, three minutes’ rest was provided between measurements of each leg and two minutes’ rest between different angular velocities. Maximal Oxygen Consumption A graded exercise test was performed on an electrically braked bicycle ergometer (Quark CPET brand gas analyser) in a laboratory where the room temperature was stabilised at 20–22°C. The seat height of each participant was recorded at the start of the test, and this same height was used for the final test. The exercise test began with a workload of 50 watts and increased by 15 watts every minute until the participant reached voluntary exhaustion (Once the workload reached 200 W, the increment rate adjusted to 10 W per minute). Heart rate was monitored continuously throughout the test. Ventilatory parameters were also tracked continuously using a breath-by-breath system which measured the concentrations of oxygen (O₂) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the exhaled air and the respiratory exchange ratio (RER = VCO₂/VO₂). At least two of the following criteria were required to determine whether maximal effort had been achieved: approaching the age-predicted maximum heart rate (calculated using the formula “220 − age”); attainment of a respiratory exchange ratio (RER) exceeding 1.15, expressed as the instantaneous ratio of VCO₂ to VO₂; and the appearance of a plateau in the VO₂ uptake curve despite an increase in the respiratory exchange ratio. Determination of Limb Occlusion Pressure (LOP) In order to apply the BFR method to participants in the CBFRG, the LOP of each limb was first determined. For this, a Doppler device (Edan SD3 Doppler, USA) was used, which assists in the assessment of deep and superficial blood vessels and maintains cuff pressure at a specific mmHg level on the limb. As LOP varies depending on whether the individual is lying down, sitting or standing, and as the intervention in this study involved cycling, LOP was measured in a seated position. To measure lower limb occlusion pressure, the cuff was placed on the thigh, proximal to the knee. Using the Doppler probe, the auditory signal of the pulse from the posterior tibial artery was detected in the lower leg. The proximal cuff was then inflated to 50 mmHg for 30 seconds using a manual pump and then deflated to zero for 10 seconds. This inflation–deflation cycle was repeated with incremental increases of 10–20 mmHg until the pulse could no longer be detected. The pressure value at which the pulse disappeared was recorded from the manometer screen as the participant’s LOP. According to widely accepted recommendations in the literature, the cuff pressure for lower-limb BFR exercise is typically set at 60–80% of the measured LOP [ 10 , 16 , 17 ]. Exercise Protocol CEG and CG Protocol All cycling exercises in the study were performed on an electronically braked astrand cycle ergometer. After determining each participant’s VO₂max, the exercise intensity was set at 40% of VO₂max value. This was calculated by identifying maximum W at which VO₂max was reached and using 40% of that value to define the target exercise intensity. For example, if a participant reached their VO₂max at 290 W, 40% of this value (116 W) was set as their training workload for the 9-week cycling exercise intervention. The exercises were conducted for 40 minutes per session, three times per week, for a total of nine weeks. Reviewing the literature on aerobic exercise protocols incorporating the BFR method reveals CGs are often omitted [ 18 – 20 ]. In order to more accurately isolate the effect of the BFR method in this study, a CG was also included. The CG followed the same exercise protocol and procedure as the CEG in terms of intensity, but with a session duration of 15 minutes, consistent with the CBFRG group. A minimum of 24 hours was maintained between exercise sessions. Both exercise intensity and duration remained constant throughout the nine-week training period. CBFRG Protocol This study applied the BFR method using pneumatic cuffs from the H + Cuff Curve Series (H + Cuff Curve 2.0, USA), which are 10 cm wide, manually adjustable and equipped with a precision gauge offering ± 3 mmHg accuracy. The cuffs can generate pressures of up to 300 mmHg and feature an integrated smart valve system in a handheld display unit. Participants in the CBFRG group exercised at 40% of their VO₂max with the cuffs applied to the proximal portion of both lower limbs. Occlusion pressure was individualised based on each participant’s LOP: 60% of LOP was used during weeks 1 to 4, 70% during weeks 5 to 7, and 80% during weeks 8 to 9. The sessions were performed three times per week for 15 minutes over a total duration of nine weeks. During each session, the cuffs remained inflated at the prescribed pressure throughout the 15-minute exercise period, provided the participant’s pulse remained safely within control limits. A minimum of 24 hours was maintained between sessions to allow adequate recovery time. Statistical Analysis In this study, the normal distribution assumption for the quantitative variables was assessed using visual methods (histograms and probability plots) and analytical methods (the Shapiro–Wilk test). As the quantitative variables were found to follow a normal distribution, they are presented as the mean ± standard deviation. A two-way repeated measures ANOVA was employed to examine the effects of different protocols (CG, CBFRG and CEG), pre- and post-test measurements, and the protocol*time interaction. Mauchly’s test of sphericity was used to evaluate the homogeneity of variances, and the Greenhouse–Geisser correction was applied where necessary. Partial eta-squared values (ηp²) were calculated to assess the effect size between groups. When statistically significant differences were identified among the study protocols, multiple comparisons were performed using the Tukey method. A significance level of p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS Examining Table 2 revealed statistically significant differences from pre-test to post-test in the following parameters: PT right leg Q (F = 20,05; p = 0.000, eta=,48), PT left leg Q (F = 10,54; p = 0.004, eta=,33), PT right leg H (F = 37,68; p = 0.000, eta=,64) and PT left leg H (F = 24,80; p = 0.000, eta=,54) in the CG and CBFRG groups. No differences were observed in the CG group. No statistically significant differences were found between the groups. No statistically significant group*time interaction effects were observed. When considering percentage improvement levels, the highest improvements were seen in the CBFRG group. Examination of Table 3 revealed statistically significant differences from pre-test to post-test in the following parameters for the CEG and CBFRG groups: PT right leg Q (F = 24,81; p = 0.000, eta=,54), PT left leg Q (F = 12,49; p = 0.000, eta=,37), PT right leg H F = 102,28; p = 0.000, eta=,83) and PT left leg H (F = 27,54; p = 0.000, eta=,56). No significant differences were found in the CG group. A statistically significant difference was identified when comparing the groups in PT left leg Q (F = 5,53; p = 0,021; eta=,34), with the CBFRG group showing significantly greater improvements than the CG and CEG groups. No statistically significant group*time interaction effects were found. When the percentage improvement levels were examined, the CBFRG group showed the greatest gains in all parameters except PT left leg Q and PT left leg H. Examination of Table 4 revealed statistically significant differences from pre-test to post-test in the following parameters in the CEG and CBFRG groups: RF right leg (F = 25,44; p = 0.000, eta=,54), RF left leg Q (F = 21,22; p = 0.000, eta=,50), Q right leg (F = 37,66; p = 0.000, eta=,64), Q left leg (F = 11,05; p = 0.003, eta=,34), VL right leg (F = 7,14; p = 0.014, eta=,25), VL left leg (F = 18,41; p = 0.000, eta=,46), BF right leg (F = 18,86; p = 0.000, eta=,47), and BF left leg (F = 23,48; p = 0.000, eta=,52). No significant changes were observed in the CG group. When examining group differences, a difference in favour of the CBFRG group was noted between CBFRG and CG in VL right leg (F = 2,34; p = 0.120, eta=,18), and a statistically significant difference in favour of the CBFRG group was observed between CBFRG and both CEG and CG in VL left leg (F = 3,61; p = 0.045, eta=,25). When percentage (%) improvements were considered, the CBFRG group showed the highest gains across all parameters. Examination of Table 5 revealed statistically significant differences from pre-test to post-test in the following parameters for the CEG and CBFRG groups: absolute VO₂max (lt/min) (F = 17,18; p = 0.000, eta=,45), VO₂max relative to body weight (ml/min/kg) (F = 11,07; p = 0.003, eta=,34), RER (F = 29,24; p = 0.000, eta=,58), and MHR (F = 32,93; p = 0.000, eta=,61). No significant changes were detected in the CG group. When examining group differences, a statistically significant difference was found in the RER parameter in favour of the CBFRG group compared to both the CG and CEG groups (F = 4,71; p = 0.020, eta=,31). In terms of percentage (%) improvements, the CBFRG group showed the greatest gains in VO₂max (lt/min), VO₂max (ml/min/kg), RER, and MHR. Table 2 Comparison of extension and flexion PT variables within and between groups at an angular velocity of 60° s−1 Pre Post Δ % Two-way Repetead ANOVA Variable M ± SD M ± SD T B -T son T B -T end Time Group Time*Group Tukey PT Right Leg Q (nm) CEG (8) 201,38 ± 42,48 214,00 ± 41,79* 12,62 ± 0,69 %6,26 F = 20,05 p < 0.000 η p 2 = ,48 F = ,57 p < 0.574 η p 2 = ,05 F = 3,50 p < 0.048 η p 2 = ,25 CBFRG (8) 220,25 ± 28,02 234,63 ± 29,63* 14,38 ± 1,61 %6,52 CG (8) 214,00 ± 39,89 215,63 ± 42,23 1,63 ± 2,34 %0,76 PT Right Leg H (nm) CEG (8) 107,13 ± 32,29 120,88 ± 28,06* 13,75 ± 4,23 %12,83 F = 37,68 p < 0.000 η p 2 = ,64 F = ,90 p < 0.420 η p 2 = ,07 F = 5,44 p < 0.012 η p 2 = ,34 CBFRG (8) 107,38 ± 22,57 127,50 ± 23,05* 20,12 ± 0,48 %18,73 CG (8) 98,38 ± 30,37 102,13 ± 27,22 3,75 ± 3.15 %3,81 PT Left Leg Q (nm) CEG (8) 186,38 ± 28,92 196,00 ± 36,03* 9,62 ± 7,11 %5,16 F = 10,54 p < 0.004 η p 2 = ,33 F = 2,01 p < 0.159 η p 2 = ,16 F = 3,34 p < 0.055 η p 2 = ,24 CBFRG (8) 217,50 ± 19,44 232,25 ± 21,24* 14,75 ± 1,88 %6,78 CG (8) 209,88 ± 41,84 209,38 ± 47,83 0,5 ± 5,99 %0,23 PT Left Leg H (nm) CEG (8) 97,38 ± 27,12 110,00 ± 21,38* 12,62 ± 5,74 %12,95 F = 24,80 p < 0.000 η p 2 = ,54 F = ,31 p < 0.736 η p 2 = ,02 F = 2,11 p < 0,146 η p 2 = ,16 CBFRG (8) 102,25 ± 29,58 121,75 ± 21,09* 19,50 ± 8,49 %19,07 CG (8) 99,88 ± 28,22 106,38 ± 27,11 6,50 ± 1,11 %6,50 CEG = Cycling Exercise Group; CBFRG = Cycling with blood flow restriction group; CG = Control group PT: Peak Torq; Q: Quadriceps; H: Hamstring; nm: Newton/Metre; w: Watt; Pre = preintervention; Post = postintervention; η p 2 : partial eta kare; * There is a significant difference between the pre-test and post-test values. Table 2 insert here Table 3 Within-group and between-group comparison of extension and flexion physical therapy (PT) variables at an angular velocity of 180 °s−1 Pre Post Δ % Two-way Repetead ANOVA Variable M ± SD M ± SD T B -T son T B -T end Time Group Time*Group Tukey PT Right Leg Q (nm) CEG (8) 145,88 ± 31,38 156,50 ± 29,68* 10,62 ± 1,7 %7,27 F = 24,81 p < 0.000 η p 2 = ,54 F = 1,71 p < 0.204 η p 2 = ,14 F = 2,83 p < 0.082 η p 2 = ,21 CBFRG (8) 160,63 ± 19,30 175,50 ± 17,27* 14,87 ± 2,03 %9,25 CG (8) 145,63 ± 19,23 149,25 ± 24,54 3,62 ± 5,31 %2,48 PT Right Leg H (nm) CEG (8) 93,50 ± 25,92 109,25 ± 23,07* 15,75 ± 2,85 %16,84 F = 102,28 p < 0.000 η p 2 = ,83 F = 1,21 p < 0.17 η p 2 = ,10 F = 18,89 p < 0.000 η p 2 = ,64 CBFRG (8) 91,63 ± 25,21 108,50 ± 24,13* 16,87 ± 1,08 %18,41 CG (8) 84,25 ± 21,79 85,88 ± 19,82 1,63 ± 1,97 %1,93 PT Left Leg Q (nm) CEG (8) 140,25 ± 21,41 150,63 ± 19,82* 10,38 ± 1,59 %7,40 F = 12,49 p < 0.002 η p 2 = ,37 F = 5,53 p < 0.012 η p 2 = ,34 F = 2,91 p CG CBFRG > CEG CBFRG (8) 166,50 ± 18,49 176,00 ± 18,06* 9,5 ± 0,43 %5,70 CG (8) 145,00 ± 17,29 145,25 ± 16,11 0,25 ± 1,18 %0,17 PT Left Leg H (nm) CEG (8) 87,63 ± 20,48 101,75 ± 16,40* 14,12 ± 4,0 %16,11 F = 27,54 p < 0.000 η p 2 = ,56 F = ,60 p < 0.553 η p 2 = ,05 F = 4,06 p < 0.032 η p 20 = ,27 CBFRG (8) 91,50 ± 26,67 105,75 ± 26,45* 14,25 ± 0,22 %15,57 CG (8) 86,00 ± 17,96 88,38 ± 19,36 2,38 ± 1,40 %2,76 CEG = Cycling Exercise Group; CBFRG = Cycling with blood flow restriction group; CG = Control group PT: Peak Torq; Q: Quadriceps; H: Hamstring; nm: Newton/Metre; w: Watt; Pre = preintervention; Post = postintervention; η p 2 : partial eta kare; * There is a significant difference between the pre-test and post-test values. Table 3 insert here Table 4 Within-group and between-group comparison of right and left lower extremity muscle thickness (RF, Q, VL and BF), as measured by ultrasonography (USG). Pre Post Δ % Two-way Repetead ANOVA Variable M ± SD M ± SD T B -T son T B -T end Time Group Time*Group Tukey RF Right Leg (mm) CEG (8) 18,50 ± 2,07 20,62 ± 1,92* 2,12 ± 0,98 %11,45 F = 25,44 p < 0.000 η p 2 = ,54 F = 1,21 p < 0.104 η p 2 = 2,43 F = 11,12 p < 0.001 η p 2 = ,51 CBFRG (8) 18,62 ± 3,33 21,12 ± 4,29* 2,50 ± 0,96 %13,42 CG (8) 18,18 ± 2,45 17,75 ± 1,48 0,43 ± 0,97 %-2,16 RF Left Leg (mm) CEG (8) 18,75 ± 1,83 20,10 ± 1,45* 1,35 ± 0,38 %7,20 F = 21,22 p < 0.000 η p 2 = ,50 F = ,88 p < 0.426 η p 2 = ,07 F = 5,41 p < 0.013 η p 2 = ,34 CBFRG (8) 18,75 ± 3,19 20,37 ± 3,50* 1,62 ± 0,31 %8,64 CG (8) 18,12 ± 1,95 18,12 ± 2,03 0 ± 0,08 %0 Q Right Leg (mm) CEG (8) 35,50 ± 6,54 37,37 ± 6,25* 1,87 ± 0,29 %13,26 F = 37,66 p < 0.000 η p 2 = ,64 F = ,58 p < 0.053 η p 2 = 1,16 F = 14,99 p < 0.000 η p 2 = ,58 CBFRG (8) 34,87 ± 5,43 39,75 ± 5,75* 4,88 ± 0,45 %13,86 CG (8) 34,37 ± 4,83 34,37 ± 4,92 0 ± 0,09 0 Q Left Leg (mm) CEG (8) 35,75 ± 6,20 37,75 ± 6,36* 2,00 ± 0,16 %5,59 F = 11,05 p < 0.003 η p 2 = ,34 F = ,48 p < 0.624 η p 2 = ,04 F = 4,02 p < 0.033 η p 2 = ,27 CBFRG (8) 35,75 ± 6,62 38,62 ± 6,25* 2,87 ± 0,37 %8,62 CG (8) 34,75 ± 4,20 34,50 ± 3,89 0,25 ± 0,31 %-0,71 VL Right Leg (mm) CEG (8) 18,87 ± 2,16 20,25 ± 1,83* 1,38 ± 0,33 %7,31 F = 7,19 p < 0,014 η p 2 = ,25 F = 2,34 p < 0,120 η p 2 = ,18 F = 9,59 p CG CBFRG (8) 20,00 ± 2,56 22,00 ± 1,69* 2,00 ± 0,87 %10,00 CG (8) 19,37 ± 2,66 18,37 ± 1,59 1,00 ± 1,07 %-5,16 VL Left Leg (mm) CEG (8) 19,00 ± 2,07 21,12 ± 2,74* 2,12 ± 0,67 %11,15 F = 18,41 p < 0,000 η p 2 = ,46 F = 3,61 p < 0,045 η p 2 = ,25 F = 12,42 p CG CBFRG > CEG CBFRG (8) 19,87 ± 2,16 22,00 ± 1,69* 2,13 ± 0,47 %16,58 CG (8) 18,50 ± 2,39 17,75 ± 2,25 0,75 ± 0,14 %4,05 BF Right Leg (mm) CEG (8) 28,62 ± 3,92 31,87 ± 4,08* 3,25 ± 0,96 %11,35 F = 18,86 p < 0,000 η p 2 = ,47 F = 2,33 p < 1,122 η p 2 = ,18 F = 7,35 p < 0,004 η p 2 = ,41 CBFRG (8) 28,62 ± 3,02 33,37 ± 3,54* 4,75 ± 0,52 %16,37 CG (8) 28,00 ± 3,20 27,50 ± 2,72 0,50 ± 0,48 %-1,78 BF Left Leg (mm) CEG (8) 28,75 ± 3,69 31,12 ± 4,51* 2,37 ± 0,82 %8,24 F = 23,48 p < 0,000 η p 2 = ,52 F = 2,87 p < 0,079 η p 2 = ,21 F = 15,69 p CG CBFRG (8) 28,37 ± 2,66 33,50 ± 3,02* 5,13 ± 0,36 %18,08 CG (8) 27,75 ± 2,91 26,75 ± 3,01 1,00 ± 0,10 %-3,60 CEG = Cycling Exercise Group; CBFRG = Cycling with blood flow restriction group; CG = Control group; RF: Rectus femoris; Q: quadriceps, VL: Vastus Lateralis; BF: Biceps Femoris; Pre = preintervention; Post = postintervention; η p 2 : partial eta kare; * There is a significant difference between the pre-test and post-test values. Table 4 insert here Table 5 Within-group and between-group comparison of VO₂ max, RER and HR parameters Pre Post Δ % Two-way Repetead ANOVA Variable M ± SD M ± SD T B -T son T B -T end Time Group Time*Group Tukey VO 2 max (lt/dk) CEG (8) 2925,13 ± 459,16 3084,63 ± 512,47* 123,50 ± 53,31 %5,30 F = 17,18 p < 0.000 η p 2 = ,45 F = ,19 p < 0,821 η p 2 = ,01 F = 4,27 p < 0.02 η p 2 = ,28 CBFRG (8) 2942,13 ± 348,96 3177,63 ± 335,56* 235,50 ± 6,60 %7,98 CG (8) 2931,50 ± 398,87 2939,25 ± 327,75 7,75 ± 71,12 %0,27 VO 2 max (ml/dk/kg) CEG (8) 40,75 ± 6,58 42,88 ± 6,45* 2,13 ± 0,13 %5,24 F = 11,07 p < 0.003 η p 2 = ,34 F = ,36 p < 0,700 η p 2 = ,03 F = 4,73 p < 0.020 η p 2 = ,31 CBFRG (8) 38,38 ± 3,66 41,13 ± 4,22* 2,75 ± 0,56 %7,16 CG (8) 40,10 ± 6,04 39,67 ± 5,50 0,43 ± 0,54 %-1,05 RER (CO 2 /O 2 ) CEG (8) 1,07 ± 0,04 1,12 ± 0,04* 0,05 ± 0,00 %5,37 F = 62.73 p < 0,000 η p 2 = .74 F = 4.71 p < 0.020 η p 2 = ,31 F = 10.17 p CG CBFR > CEG CBFRG (8) 1,10 ± 0,06 1,20 ± 0,07* 0,10 ± 0,01 % 9,09 CG (8) 1,07 ± 0,04 1,09 ± 0,04 0,02 ± 0,00 %1,75 HR (bpm) CEG (8) 185,25 ± 8,27 191,25 ± 6,06* 6,00 ± 2,21 %3,23 F = 32,93 p < 0.000 η p 2 = ,61 F = ,35 p < 0,706 η p 2 = ,03 F = 3,68 p < 0.043 η p 2 = ,26 CBFRG (8) 180,63 ± 7,52 189,75 ± 7,51* 9,12 ± 0,01 %5,04 CG (8) 184,50 ± 8,03 186,88 ± 10,99 2,38 ± 2,96 %1,28 CEG = Cycling Exercise Group; CBFRG = Cycling with blood flow restriction group; CG = Control group; VO2max: Maximal oxygen consumption; RER: respiratory exchange rate; HR: heart rate; Pre = preintervention; Post = postintervention; η p 2 : partial eta kare; * There is a significant difference between the pre-test and post-test values. Table 5 insert here DISCUSSION This study demonstrates that short-duration (15 min, 40% VO₂max) cycling exercise combined with the BFR method leads to similar improvements in VO₂max, muscle strength and muscle thickness in healthy young males compared to long-duration (40 min, 40% VO₂max) cycling exercise without BFR (see Tables 2 , 3 , 4 and 5 ). Furthermore, these improvements appear to be comparable to those reported in the literature from studies involving high-intensity (VO₂max > 40%) and prolonged (40 min) cycling interventions [ 21 , 22 ]. Isokinetic Strength and Muscle Thickness The study showed that both muscle thickness and isokinetic parameters improved in the application groups, but there was no difference between the groups except for a few parameters. This demonstrates that both methods produce similar development outcomes (see Tables 2 , 3 and 4 ). Abe et al. [ 18 ] reported that 15 min of low-intensity cycling exercise at 40% VO₂max with BFR resulted in increased muscle thickness and volume in the thigh and Q regions, as well as improved knee flexion strength. Conceição et al. [ 20 ] found that cycling exercise (%40 VO₂rez, 30 min) with BFR at 80 mmHg increased the cross-sectional area of the VL muscle; no such change was observed in the non-BFR group. Daryani and Borkar [ 23 ] reported that low-intensity aerobic exercise combined with BFR (15–20 minutes at 70–80% LOP and 40–50% MHR) increased thigh muscle girth; no changes were observed in the non-BFR group. This increase was attributed to the mechanical tension induced by the cuff, which activates type II muscle fibres. Similarly, de Oliveira et al. [ 24 ] reported that low-intensity aerobic exercise performed with BFR increased knee extension strength. This was explained by enhanced activation of type II motor units in the hypoxic environment induced by BFR. Although the overall strength gains were modest, sufficient activation of fast-twitch fibres was noted to support hypertrophy and strength development. In a comparable study, Park et al. [ 25 ] demonstrated that a two-week walking exercise programme involving BFR (160–230 mmHg, 4 km/h, 5% incline, 15 minutes) significantly increased isokinetic knee extension and flexion strength in both legs of elite male athletes. Combining aerobic exercises with the BFR method has the potential to enhance both aerobic capacity and anaerobic performance, as well as muscular strength. This is primarily due to local muscle hypoxia during BFR, the accumulation of metabolites (particularly lactate) and increased mechanical stress. These factors lead to the recruitment of a greater number of motor units, especially type II muscle fibres. Consequently, even during low-intensity aerobic exercise, anaerobic energy systems are activated, thereby promoting improvements in both muscular strength and anaerobic capacity [ 10 , 26 ]. Additionally, limited oxygen reaches the muscles during BFR (local hypoxia) and increases the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during exercise. While excessive ROS production can damage cellular structures, controlled levels act as important signalling molecules that trigger adaptive responses in muscle cells. These responses include enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis (the formation of new mitochondria), angiogenesis (the formation of new capillaries) and muscle protein synthesis, ultimately supporting improvements in both aerobic and anaerobic performance [ 27 , 28 ]. In our study, we matched the training intensity and duration of the CEG group (15 minutes at 40% VO₂ max) to those of the CBFRG group in order to observe the effects of the BFR method on isokinetic knee strength and muscle thickness directly. While no improvements were observed in the CEG, the significant gains observed in the CBFRG suggest that BFR is an effective method. Furthermore, when the CEG (40 minutes) and CBFRG (15 minutes) groups were compared, despite performing the same exercise at the same intensity (40% VO₂ max) for different durations, similar increases in muscle thickness and isokinetic strength were observed. This further supports the effectiveness of the BFR method in enhancing these parameters. In line with previous studies, an increase in muscle cross-sectional area was found to be associated with strength development [ 29 , 30 ], which supports the findings in CEG and CBFRG. The magnitude of improvement in strength and muscle thickness observed in the CEG and CBFRG groups was higher than that reported in comparable studies. This may be due to training variables specific to the BFR method, such as individualised cuff pressure, cuff width, exercise duration and intensity, participant characteristics, and exercise frequency. Aerobic Capacity Similar improvements in absolute VO₂max (L/min), bodyweight-adjusted VO₂max (mL/min/kg), RER (CO₂/O₂) and MHR (bpm) were observed in both the CEG and the CBFRG, while no improvement was detected in the CG group. Examining the differences between groups revealed a significant difference in the RER parameter in favour of the CBFRG compared to the CGG and CG. In terms of percentage improvements, the CBFRG showed the greatest increases in absolute VO₂max (L/min), VO₂max relative to body weight (mL/min/kg), maximum heart rate (beats per minute) and RER (CO₂/O₂) (see Table 5 ). Combining aerobic exercise with the BFR method has been shown to enhance both muscular strength and aerobic capacity simultaneously [ 10 , 31 ]. For this reason, the BFR method is utilised not only for improving strength, but also for enhancing aerobic capacity. Ferreira-Junior et al. [ 32 ] reported that walking exercise performed with BFR (80–100% LOP at 6 km/h with a 5% incline for 15 min) increased VO₂max (mL/min/kg). Similarly, Ozaki et al. [ 33 ] found that cycling exercise combined with BFR (LOP: 140–200 mmHg; 12 min at 20%, 40% and 60% of VO₂max) increased VO₂ by around 10% more; and they attributed this improvement to peripheral (a-v)O₂) and central (MHR) cardiovascular adaptations. Abe et al. [ 18 ] reported a 6.4% increase in VO₂max (L/min) following 15 min of low-intensity cycling exercise at 40% VO₂max with BFR. They linked this improvement to enhanced oxidative capacity and stroke volume adaptations. Similarly, Pinheiro et al. [ 34 ] observed a 11.38% increase in VO₂max (mL/min/kg) following low-intensity BFR training and associated the gains with metabolic adaptations, such as angiogenesis and mitochondrial biogenesis. Park et al. [ 35 ] observed increases in VO₂max, RER and MHR in the BFR + walking group, whereas no changes were detected in the control group. RER has been linked to elevated lactate levels associated with exercise intensity [ 36 ] and BFR is known to promote greater motor unit recruitment and increased lactate tolerance due to metabolite accumulation in a hypoxic environment [ 10 ]. In our study, the higher RER increase observed in the CBFRG compared to the CEG may be explained by these physiological adaptations. Numerous studies in the literature have consistently shown that low-intensity exercise programmes, such as cycling, walking and aerobic training, combined with the BFR method, lead to improvements in VO₂max [ 18 , 19 , 33 , 35 , 37 – 44 ]. However, the specific physiological mechanisms responsible for these improvements remain a matter of debate, as different studies report varying underlying factors. These discrepancies may be attributed to the variability of the factors influencing VO₂max, including exercise intensity, duration and frequency; the characteristics of the participant population; gender; and body composition. CONCLUSION The present study found that combining low-intensity cycling with the BFR method effectively improves VO₂max, muscular strength and muscle thickness. Similar improvements were observed when comparing the outcomes of the CBFRG to those of the CEG, suggesting that BFR-enhanced, short-duration, low-intensity cycling could be an alternative to longer-duration, low-intensity cycling protocols. The improvements observed in this study may be explained by two primary factors: [ 1 ] The increase of approximately 1 kg in lower extremity skeletal muscle mass, corresponding to a gain of around 10%, has been shown to predict an increase of around 200 ml/min in VO₂max [ 45 ] and [ 2 ] the physiological mechanisms associated with the BFR method, including metabolite accumulation and the recruitment of large motor units (particularly large-diameter, fast-fatiguing, fast-twitch fibres), as well as adaptations related to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the (a-v)O 2 . In conclusion, it was determined that combining the BFR method with low-intensity exercise effectively enhances both aerobic capacity and muscular strength, which are two key determinants of athletic performance. Using this method could offer coaches across various sports disciplines significant advantages in promoting exercise variety and optimising time efficiency. This is particularly important during periods when high-intensity or long-duration exercise protocols are difficult to implement or when training intensity is deliberately reduced for the athletes who are new to sports or those returning from injury. In such cases, the additional time required to improve aerobic capacity and strength can be disadvantageous. However, this study’s findings suggest that integrating BFR with low-intensity exercise yields comparable results and, in some cases, superior ones. This transforms the disadvantage of the extended time into a practical advantage by enabling more efficient use of training time. Abbreviations BFR Blood Flow Restriction CEG Cycling Exercise Group CBFRG Cycling with Blood Flow Restriction Group CG Control Group LOP Limb Occlusion Pressure PT Peak Torq RF Rectus Femoris VL Vastus Lateralis BF Biceps Femoris VO2max Maximal Oxygen Consumption RER Respiratory Exchange Rate HR Heart Rate Declarations Ethics Approval and Consent to Participate Ethical approval for the study was obtained from the Gazi University Ethics Committee under decision number 2022/961 dated 4 October 2022. The study was conducted in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. Prior to the commencement of the measurements, a comprehensive explanation of the study protocol was provided to the participants, and informed consent forms were collected. Consent for Publication Not applicable Availability of Data and Materials Data supporting the findings of this study are available through the corresponding author, but restrictions apply to the availability of these data used for the current study and are therefore not publicly available. However, data are available from the corresponding author ( [email protected] ) upon reasonable request. Competing Interests The authors declare that they have no competing interests. Funding This research has been supported by the Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit of Nigde Omer Halisdemir University (Project Number: SPT 2022/3 BAGEP, 2022). Authors' Contributions The first draft of the manuscript and the revised manuscript were written by GY, ZBA, Sİ, NEP, HA, and BARM, GY, ZBA and NEH completed the data analysis and suggested revisions to the manuscript. ZBA, GY, HA, Sİ and BARM participated in the design of the study and performed the statistical analysis, GY, ZBA, NEP and HA conceived of the study and participated in its design and coordination and helped to draft the manuscript. GY, ZBA, Sİ and NEP completed the visualization. All authors read and approved the final manuscript. Acknowledgements Clinical trial number: NCT07114835 References Billat VL, Demarle A, Slawinski J, Paiva M, Koralsztein JP. Physical and training characteristics of top-class marathon runners. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2001;33(12):2089–97. Gabbett TJ, Jenkins DG, Abernethy B. Relationships between physiological, anthropometric, and skill qualities and playing performance in professional rugby league players. J Sports Sci. 2011;29(15):1655–64. Manari D, Manara M, Zurini A, Tortorella G, Vaccarezza M, Prandelli N, et al. VO2max and VO2AT: athletic performance and field role of elite soccer players. Sport Sci Health. 2016;12:221–6. Tomlin DL, Wenger HA. The relationship between aerobic fitness and recovery from high intensity intermittent exercise. Sports Med. 2001;31:1–11. Kodama S, Saito K, Tanaka S, Maki M, Yachi Y, Asumi M, et al. Cardiorespiratory fitness as a quantitative predictor of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events in healthy men and women: a meta-analysis. JAMA. 2009;301(19):2024–35. American College of Sports Medicine. General principles of exercise prescription. ACSM’s guidelines for exercise testing and prescription. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2013. pp. 152–80. Buchheit M, Laursen PB. High-intensity interval training, solutions to the programming puzzle: Part I: cardiopulmonary emphasis. Sports Med. 2013;43(5):313–38. Pişkin NE, Yavuz G, Aktuğ ZB. Kuvvet gelişiminde yeni bir yaklaşım: kan akışı kısıtlama antrenman yöntemi: geleneksel derleme. Gazi Beden Eğitimi ve Spor Bilimleri Dergisi. 2023;28(4):276–90. Loenneke JP, Wilson JM, Marín PJ, Zourdos MC, Bemben MG. Low intensity blood flow restriction training: a meta-analysis. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2012;112:1849–59. Patterson SD, Hughes L, Warmington S, Burr J, Scott BR, Owens J, et al. Blood flow restriction exercise: considerations of methodology, application, and safety. Front Physiol. 2019;10:533. de Queiros VS, Dantas M, Neto GR, da Silva LF, Assis MG, Almeida-Neto PF, et al. Application and side effects of blood flow restriction technique: a cross-sectional questionnaire survey of professionals. Med (Baltim). 2021;100(18):e25794. Chang H, Zhang J, Yan J, Yang X, Chen B, Zhang J. Effects of blood flow restriction training on muscle strength and hypertrophy in untrained males: a systematic review and meta-analysis based on a comparison with high-load resistance training. Life (Basel). 2024;14(11):1442. 10.3390/life14111442 . Gao Y, Nagai T, Ikeda T, Yamamoto M, Goto K. Blood flow restriction training for improving aerobic capacity: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Strength Cond Res. 2025;39(1):85–96. PMID: 39839525. Bennett H, Slattery F. Effects of blood flow restriction training on aerobic capacity and performance: a systematic review. J Strength Cond Res. 2019;33(2):572–83. Castilla-López C, Sillero-Quintana M, De Benito AM, Muñoz-Jiménez M. Effects of blood flow restriction training on VO₂max and endurance performance: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2023;20(2):4738. 10.3390/ijerph20024738 . Ilett MJ, Rantalainen T, Keske MA, May AK, Warmington SA. The effects of restriction pressures on the acute responses to blood flow restriction exercise. Front Physiol. 2019;10:1018. Scott BR, Loenneke JP, Slattery KM, Dascombe BJ. Exercise with blood flow restriction: an updated evidence-based approach for enhanced muscular development. Sports Med. 2015;45:313–25. Abe T, Fujita S, Nakajima T, Sakamaki M, Ozaki H, Ogasawara R, et al. Effects of low-intensity cycle training with restricted leg blood flow on thigh muscle volume and VO₂max in young men. J Sports Sci Med. 2010;9(3):452. Abe T, Kearns CF, Sato Y. Muscle size and strength are increased following walk training with restricted venous blood flow from the leg muscle: Kaatsu-walk training. J Appl Physiol (1985). 2006;100(5):1460–6. Conceicao MS, Junior EM, Telles GD, Libardi CA, Castro A, Andrade AL, et al. Augmented anabolic responses after 8-wk cycling with blood flow restriction. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2019;51(1):84–93. Zeng Q, Wang L, Zhang Y, Wei H, He Z. Effects of blood flow restriction cycling training on body composition and blood lipids in overweight male college students. Front Physiol. 2022;12:792756. 10.3389/fphys.2021.792756 . Esparza D, Castillo A, Martínez-Guardado I, Delgado-Floody P, Jerez-Mayorga D, García-Pinillos F. Effects of blood flow restriction training on aerobic capacity and performance: a systematic review. J Hum Kinet. 2020;72:247–59. 10.2478/hukin-2019-0123 . Daryani A, Borkar T. A comparative study of low intensity aerobic blood flow restriction training and conventional aerobic training on VO₂max and thigh muscle girth in healthy 18–25-year-old adults. Int J Phys Educ Sports Health. 2020;7(1):158–61. de Oliveira MFMD, Caputo F, Corvino RB, Denadai BS. Short-term low-intensity blood flow restricted interval training improves both aerobic fitness and muscle strength. Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2016;26(9):1017–25. Park S, Kim JK, Choi HM, Kim HG, Beekley MD, Nho H. Increase in maximal oxygen uptake following 2-week walk training with blood flow occlusion in athletes. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2010;109(4):591–600. Slysz J, Stultz J, Burr JF. The efficacy of blood flow restricted exercise: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Sci Med Sport. 2016;19(8):669–75. Mougios V. Exercise Biochemistry. 2nd ed. Champaign (IL): Human Kinetics; 2020. Takarada Y, Nakamura Y, Aruga S, Onda T, Miyazaki S, Ishii N. Rapid increase in plasma growth hormone after low-intensity resistance exercise with vascular occlusion. J Appl Physiol (1985). 2000;88(1):61–5. 10.1152/jappl.2000.88.1.61 . Abe T, Kawakami Y, Suzuki Y, Gunji A, Fukunaga T. Effects of 20 days bed rest on muscle morphology. J Gravit Physiol. 1997;4(1):10–4. Strasser EM, Draskovits T, Praschak M, Quittan M, Graf A. Association between ultrasound measurements of muscle thickness, pennation angle, echogenicity and skeletal muscle strength in the elderly. Age (Dordr). 2013;35(6):2377–88. Scott BR, Loenneke JP, Slattery KM, Dascombe BJ. Blood flow restricted exercise for athletes: a review of available evidence. J Sci Med Sport. 2016;19(5):360–7. Ferreira A Jr, de Araujo AC, Chimin P, Okuno NM. Effect of walk training with blood flow restriction on oxygen uptake kinetics, maximum oxygen uptake and muscle strength in middle-aged adults. Med Dello Sport. 2019;72(4):616–27. Ozaki H, Brechue WF, Sakamaki M, Yasuda T, Nishikawa M, Aoki N, et al. Metabolic and cardiovascular responses to upright cycle exercise with leg blood flow reduction. J Sports Sci Med. 2010;9(2):224–30. Pinheiro FA, Pires FO, Rønnestad BR, Hardt F, Conceição MS, Lixandrão ME, et al. The effect of low-intensity aerobic training combined with blood flow restriction on maximal strength, muscle mass, and cycling performance in a cyclist with knee displacement. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022;19(5):2993. Park S, Kim JK, Choi HM, Kim HG, Beekley MD, Nho H. Increase in maximal oxygen uptake following 2-week walk training with blood flow occlusion in athletes. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2010;109(4):591–600. Zagatto AM, Miyagi WE, Sakugawa RL, Kaminagakura EI, Papoti M. Bisiklet ergometresi kademeli egzersiz testi sırasında solunum değişim oranı ile aerobik dayanıklılık ölçümü. Egzersiz Fizyolojisi Çevrimiçi Dergisi. 2012;15(5):49–56. Corvino RB, Oliveira MFMD, Santos RPD, Denadai BS, Caputo F. Four weeks of blood flow restricted training increases time to exhaustion at severe intensity cycling exercise. Rev Bras Cineantropom Desempenho Hum. 2014;16:570–8. Kim D, Singh H, Loenneke JP, Thiebaud RS, Fahs CA, Rossow LM, et al. Comparative effects of vigorous-intensity and low-intensity blood flow restricted cycle training and detraining on muscle mass, strength, and aerobic capacity. J Strength Cond Res. 2016;30(5):1453–61. Abe T, Sakamaki M, Fujita S, Ozaki H, Sugaya M, Sato Y, et al. Effects of low-intensity walk training with restricted leg blood flow on muscle strength and aerobic capacity in older adults. J Geriatr Phys Ther. 2010;33(1):34–40. Taylor CW, Ingham SA, Ferguson RA. Acute and chronic effect of sprint interval training combined with postexercise blood-flow restriction in trained individuals. Exp Physiol. 2016;101(1):143–54. Silva JCG, Pereira Neto EA, Pfeiffer PAS, Neto GR, Rodrigues AS, Bemben MG, et al. Acute and chronic responses of aerobic exercise with blood flow restriction: a systematic review. Front Physiol. 2019;10:1239. Renzi CP, Tanaka H, Sugawara J. Effects of leg blood flow restriction during walking on cardiovascular function. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2010;42(4):726–32. Kumagai K, Kurobe K, Zhong H, Loenneke J, Thiebaud R, Ogita F, et al. Cardiovascular drift during low intensity exercise with leg blood flow restriction. Acta Physiol Hung. 2012;99(4):392–9. Karabulut M, Garcia SD. Hemodynamic responses and energy expenditure during blood flow restriction exercise in obese population. Clin Physiol Funct Imaging. 2017;37(1):1–7. Sanada K, Kearns CF, Kojima K, Abe T. Peak oxygen uptake during running and arm cranking normalized to total and regional skeletal muscle mass measured by magnetic resonance imaging. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2005;93:687–93. Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. Cite Share Download PDF Status: Under Review Version 1 posted Reviews received at journal 02 Jan, 2026 Reviews received at journal 01 Jan, 2026 Reviewers agreed at journal 27 Dec, 2025 Reviewers agreed at journal 22 Dec, 2025 Reviews received at journal 18 Aug, 2025 Reviewers agreed at journal 18 Aug, 2025 Reviewers invited by journal 17 Aug, 2025 Editor assigned by journal 12 Aug, 2025 Submission checks completed at journal 12 Aug, 2025 First submitted to journal 12 Aug, 2025 You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. Our growing team is made up of researchers and industry professionals working together to solve the most critical problems facing scientific publishing. Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-6888223","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":501951410,"identity":"4ec54d57-8b44-4717-9182-c523db0c2b20","order_by":0,"name":"Gönül YAVUZ","email":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAZAAAAAyAQMAAABI0h/eAAAABlBMVEX///8AAABVwtN+AAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAA5UlEQVRIiWNgGAWjYLCCB2CS+TCEd4AYLQlgki0ZpoWxgUgtPMbEaZF37z0mkdhml7jh/JnPhj/bGOT4biSwP67Ao8XwzLk0oJbkxA0Hzm5O5m1jMJa8kcDYeAaflhk5ZkAtzMYGB3s3H2ZsY0jcANKCz2VQLfXGBod5Hh8EOqyeoBZ5CbCWw3IGx3iYE4AOSzAgpMWA54yxRcK543KSZ9iMjXnOSRjOPPOwcSZeW9p7DG98KKvm4Tt/+LHkjzIbeb7jyQc+4rXlAJBgZIPzJUBcfBqAtoCl/+BVMwpGwSgYBSMdAADZflCLE8G8TgAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==","orcid":"","institution":"Kahramanmaras Sütcü Imam University","correspondingAuthor":true,"prefix":"","firstName":"Gönül","middleName":"","lastName":"YAVUZ","suffix":""},{"id":501951412,"identity":"3eb19fa5-7c6a-428a-bbb0-93437efde98c","order_by":1,"name":"Zait Burak AKTUĞ","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Nigde Omer Halisdemir University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Zait","middleName":"Burak","lastName":"AKTUĞ","suffix":""},{"id":501951414,"identity":"06190186-3449-41fc-a12a-2360e8c8bdb6","order_by":2,"name":"Serkan İBİŞ","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Nigde Omer Halisdemir University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Serkan","middleName":"","lastName":"İBİŞ","suffix":""},{"id":501951416,"identity":"f9bdc619-3c13-49b2-9545-5008eb0a1b6d","order_by":3,"name":"Necdet Eray PİŞKİN","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Nigde Omer Halisdemir University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Necdet","middleName":"Eray","lastName":"PİŞKİN","suffix":""},{"id":501951420,"identity":"87615c6b-d08c-424d-9abd-f1c49a9e8053","order_by":4,"name":"Hasan AKA","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Gazi University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Hasan","middleName":"","lastName":"AKA","suffix":""},{"id":501951422,"identity":"78d2b49b-e3ef-42a5-8410-85f5f0b6e965","order_by":5,"name":"Bökebatur Ahmet Raşit","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Bökebatur","middleName":"Ahmet","lastName":"Raşit","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2025-06-13 12:23:28","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":"","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-6888223/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-6888223/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":89826466,"identity":"9fa27ccf-4292-49dc-aca0-10de4cffeace","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-08-25 12:40:36","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":1231267,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6888223/v1/2a274ee7-c9fb-4441-adcf-83398971c359.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"\u003cp\u003eThe effect of Low-Intensity Cycling Exercise Combined with Blood Flow Restriction on VO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003emax, Muscle Strength, and Muscle Thickness\u003c/p\u003e","fulltext":[{"header":"INTRODUCTION","content":"\u003cp\u003eNew exercise methods aimed at improving aerobic capacity have become a significant area of research for coaches and practitioners alike. A high level of aerobic capacity enhances not only athletic performance [\u003cspan additionalcitationids=\"CR2\" citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e\u0026ndash;\u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e] and recovery ability [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e] but also contributes positively to various health-related parameters [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e]. In terms of developing aerobic capacity and performance parameters, it is widely accepted that high-intensity or prolonged exercise methods are necessary [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e]. However, when implementing high-intensity or long-duration exercise protocols is not feasible or during periods of reduced exercise intensity, it is important to use alternative methods that can enhance both muscular strength and aerobic capacity simultaneously. These methods enable the achievement of similar physiological adaptations in a more sustainable and practical way [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e]. In this context, it would be more advantageous to employ an exercise method that can improve both muscular strength and aerobic capacity within a single training protocol. One such method combines exercise types with the Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) technique. Exercises performed with the BFR method induce metabolic stress through certain mechanisms generated by cuff pressure, even during low-intensity activities. This is why the method has become increasingly popular in recent years. Its popularity primarily stems from its ability to induce physiological adaptations comparable to those achieved through high-intensity exercise [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e]. The physiological changes observed in the BFR method stem from the accumulation of high metabolic by-products. This facilitates the recruitment of more motor units during contraction, increases lactic acid tolerance and promotes the organism\u0026rsquo;s adaptation to this stressful environment. This contributes to improvements in muscular strength and fatigue resistance [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhile the blood flow restriction (BFR) method is typically employed alongside fitness equipment to improve strength, it can also be combined with cycling, running and walking exercises to boost aerobic capacity [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e]. Studies suggest that combining low-intensity exercises with BFR can increase muscle volume and strength [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e13\u003c/span\u003e]. However, there are conflicting findings regarding its effects on VO₂ max: while some studies report improvements [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e14\u003c/span\u003e], others observe no significant changes [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e13\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e15\u003c/span\u003e].Based on these findings, the hypothesis of our study is as follows: \u0026ldquo;Low-intensity, short-duration cycling exercise performed with the BFR method yields similar or greater improvements in VO₂max, muscle strength and muscle thickness compared to long-duration cycling exercises of the same intensity.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"MATERIAL AND METHOD","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec3\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eStudy Design\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe study involved three exercise groups: The Control Group (CG) performed 40 minutes of cycling at 40% of VO₂max on an Astrand cycle ergometer; the Cycling with Blood Flow Restriction Group (CBFRG) performed 15 minutes of cycling at 40% of VO₂max on the same ergometer with LOP (Limb Occlusion Pressure) applied at 60\u0026ndash;80%; and the Cycling Exercise Group (CEG) performed 15 minutes of cycling at 40% of VO₂max without occlusion. Prior to the implementation of the exercise protocols, the participants underwent a series of preliminary assessments in the following order: Day 1: body height, weight and muscle thickness measurements; Day 2: isokinetic strength testing; Day 3: rest; and Day 4: VO₂max testing. Then, 40% of the participants\u0026rsquo; VO₂max was calculated. Their exercise intensities were also determined. Excluding a one-week adaptation period, the exercise programmes were carried out for eight weeks, three days per week. Measurements were conducted at the beginning of the study and at the end of the ninth week to monitor the participants\u0026rsquo; progress throughout the exercise intervention.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eParticipants\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo determine the sample size, \u0026ldquo;Test family: t test; Statistical test: Means: Differerence between two dependent means (matched paires)\u0026rdquo; was used. The G*Power 3.1.9.2 software was used to calculate the minimum required number of participants, which was found to be 18, based on a 5% margin of error and 80% statistical power. Initially, 30 male volunteers who were not actively engaged in sports were recruited for the study. After applying the exclusion criteria, which included a history of lower extremity injury (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;4), respiratory disorders (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;1) and refusal to participate (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;1), a total of six individuals were excluded in the initial phase. Thus, the study commenced with 24 male participants. Each group consisted of eight participants who completed the protocol and final post-tests were conducted and analysed accordingly. All participants were healthy individuals who did not engage in regular physical activity (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab1\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 1\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDemographic variables of the participants\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"4\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCEG\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCBFRG\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCG\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAge (years)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e20,63\u0026plusmn;,74\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e21,88\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1,64\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e20,87\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1,12\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eHeight (cm)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e180,63\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4,68\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e181,38\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;7,94\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e180,1\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;7,68\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eBody weight (kg)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e74,25\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;8,97\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e77,1\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;7,18\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e75,1\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;15,83\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eBody mass index (kg/m\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e22,80\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2,57\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e23,57\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3,21\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e23,08\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4,28\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e \u003cb\u003einsert here\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eApplied Measurements\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec6\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eMuscle Thickness Measurement via Ultrasonography (USG)\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eMuscle thickness was measured using an ultrasonography device (Toshiba, Aplio 500, Tokyo, Japan1) equipped with an electronic calliper sensitive to 0.1 mm and were calculated using the device\u0026rsquo;s built-in software. The regions of the Q, RF, and VL muscles were identified at the midpoint of the distance between the anterior superior iliac spine and the superior pole of the patella for the measurements. For the biceps femoris BF muscle, the measurement site was located at the midpoint between the ischial tuberosity and the popliteal fossa, aligned over the sciatic nerve.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIsokinetic Strength Measurement\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLower extremity (knee) isokinetic strength measurements were conducted on the participants using an Isomed 2000 isokinetic dynamometer (Humac Norm Testing and Rehabilitation System, CSMI, USA). Before these assessments, participants completed a 10-minute warm-up on a cycle ergometer at 60\u0026ndash;70 rpm. The measurement device was then adjusted to fit each participant\u0026rsquo;s anthropometric characteristics. Concentric\u0026ndash;concentric contractions were measured for right and left knee extension and flexion, with five repetitions at an angular velocity of 60\u0026deg;\u003csup\u003es\u0026minus;1\u003c/sup\u003e and fifteen repetitions at 180\u0026deg;\u003csup\u003es\u0026minus;1\u003c/sup\u003e. Prior to each angular velocity test, participants performed three familiarisation trials, followed by a 30-second rest. Additionally, three minutes\u0026rsquo; rest was provided between measurements of each leg and two minutes\u0026rsquo; rest between different angular velocities.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec8\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eMaximal Oxygen Consumption\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eA graded exercise test was performed on an electrically braked bicycle ergometer (Quark CPET brand gas analyser) in a laboratory where the room temperature was stabilised at 20\u0026ndash;22\u0026deg;C. The seat height of each participant was recorded at the start of the test, and this same height was used for the final test. The exercise test began with a workload of 50 watts and increased by 15 watts every minute until the participant reached voluntary exhaustion (Once the workload reached 200 W, the increment rate adjusted to 10 W per minute). Heart rate was monitored continuously throughout the test. Ventilatory parameters were also tracked continuously using a breath-by-breath system which measured the concentrations of oxygen (O₂) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the exhaled air and the respiratory exchange ratio (RER\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;VCO₂/VO₂). At least two of the following criteria were required to determine whether maximal effort had been achieved: approaching the age-predicted maximum heart rate (calculated using the formula \u0026ldquo;220\u0026thinsp;\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;age\u0026rdquo;); attainment of a respiratory exchange ratio (RER) exceeding 1.15, expressed as the instantaneous ratio of VCO₂ to VO₂; and the appearance of a plateau in the VO₂ uptake curve despite an increase in the respiratory exchange ratio.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDetermination of Limb Occlusion Pressure (LOP)\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn order to apply the BFR method to participants in the CBFRG, the LOP of each limb was first determined. For this, a Doppler device (Edan SD3 Doppler, USA) was used, which assists in the assessment of deep and superficial blood vessels and maintains cuff pressure at a specific mmHg level on the limb. As LOP varies depending on whether the individual is lying down, sitting or standing, and as the intervention in this study involved cycling, LOP was measured in a seated position. To measure lower limb occlusion pressure, the cuff was placed on the thigh, proximal to the knee. Using the Doppler probe, the auditory signal of the pulse from the posterior tibial artery was detected in the lower leg. The proximal cuff was then inflated to 50 mmHg for 30 seconds using a manual pump and then deflated to zero for 10 seconds. This inflation\u0026ndash;deflation cycle was repeated with incremental increases of 10\u0026ndash;20 mmHg until the pulse could no longer be detected. The pressure value at which the pulse disappeared was recorded from the manometer screen as the participant\u0026rsquo;s LOP. According to widely accepted recommendations in the literature, the cuff pressure for lower-limb BFR exercise is typically set at 60\u0026ndash;80% of the measured LOP [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e16\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eExercise Protocol\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec11\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCEG and CG Protocol\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAll cycling exercises in the study were performed on an electronically braked astrand cycle ergometer. After determining each participant\u0026rsquo;s VO₂max, the exercise intensity was set at 40% of VO₂max value. This was calculated by identifying maximum W at which VO₂max was reached and using 40% of that value to define the target exercise intensity. For example, if a participant reached their VO₂max at 290 W, 40% of this value (116 W) was set as their training workload for the 9-week cycling exercise intervention. The exercises were conducted for 40 minutes per session, three times per week, for a total of nine weeks. Reviewing the literature on aerobic exercise protocols incorporating the BFR method reveals CGs are often omitted [\u003cspan additionalcitationids=\"CR19\" citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e18\u003c/span\u003e\u0026ndash;\u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e20\u003c/span\u003e]. In order to more accurately isolate the effect of the BFR method in this study, a CG was also included. The CG followed the same exercise protocol and procedure as the CEG in terms of intensity, but with a session duration of 15 minutes, consistent with the CBFRG group. A minimum of 24 hours was maintained between exercise sessions. Both exercise intensity and duration remained constant throughout the nine-week training period.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec12\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCBFRG Protocol\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis study applied the BFR method using pneumatic cuffs from the H\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;Cuff Curve Series (H\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;Cuff Curve 2.0, USA), which are 10 cm wide, manually adjustable and equipped with a precision gauge offering\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3 mmHg accuracy. The cuffs can generate pressures of up to 300 mmHg and feature an integrated smart valve system in a handheld display unit. Participants in the CBFRG group exercised at 40% of their VO₂max with the cuffs applied to the proximal portion of both lower limbs. Occlusion pressure was individualised based on each participant\u0026rsquo;s LOP: 60% of LOP was used during weeks 1 to 4, 70% during weeks 5 to 7, and 80% during weeks 8 to 9. The sessions were performed three times per week for 15 minutes over a total duration of nine weeks. During each session, the cuffs remained inflated at the prescribed pressure throughout the 15-minute exercise period, provided the participant\u0026rsquo;s pulse remained safely within control limits. A minimum of 24 hours was maintained between sessions to allow adequate recovery time.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec13\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eStatistical Analysis\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn this study, the normal distribution assumption for the quantitative variables was assessed using visual methods (histograms and probability plots) and analytical methods (the Shapiro\u0026ndash;Wilk test). As the quantitative variables were found to follow a normal distribution, they are presented as the mean\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;standard deviation. A two-way repeated measures ANOVA was employed to examine the effects of different protocols (CG, CBFRG and CEG), pre- and post-test measurements, and the protocol*time interaction. Mauchly\u0026rsquo;s test of sphericity was used to evaluate the homogeneity of variances, and the Greenhouse\u0026ndash;Geisser correction was applied where necessary. Partial eta-squared values (ηp\u0026sup2;) were calculated to assess the effect size between groups. When statistically significant differences were identified among the study protocols, multiple comparisons were performed using the Tukey method. A significance level of p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05 was considered statistically significant.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"RESULTS","content":"\u003cp\u003eExamining Table \u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e revealed statistically significant differences from pre-test to post-test in the following parameters: PT right leg Q (F\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;20,05; p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.000, eta=,48), PT left leg Q (F\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;10,54; p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.004, eta=,33), PT right leg H (F\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;37,68; p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.000, eta=,64) and PT left leg H (F\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;24,80; p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.000, eta=,54) in the CG and CBFRG groups. No differences were observed in the CG group. No statistically significant differences were found between the groups. No statistically significant group*time interaction effects were observed. When considering percentage improvement levels, the highest improvements were seen in the CBFRG group.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExamination of Table \u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e revealed statistically significant differences from pre-test to post-test in the following parameters for the CEG and CBFRG groups: PT right leg Q (F\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;24,81; p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.000, eta=,54), PT left leg Q (F\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;12,49; p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.000, eta=,37), PT right leg H F\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;102,28; p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.000, eta=,83) and PT left leg H (F\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;27,54; p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.000, eta=,56). No significant differences were found in the CG group. A statistically significant difference was identified when comparing the groups in PT left leg Q (F\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;5,53; p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0,021; eta=,34), with the CBFRG group showing significantly greater improvements than the CG and CEG groups. No statistically significant group*time interaction effects were found. When the percentage improvement levels were examined, the CBFRG group showed the greatest gains in all parameters except PT left leg Q and PT left leg H.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExamination of Table \u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e revealed statistically significant differences from pre-test to post-test in the following parameters in the CEG and CBFRG groups: RF right leg (F\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;25,44; p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.000, eta=,54), RF left leg Q (F\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;21,22; p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.000, eta=,50), Q right leg (F\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;37,66; p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.000, eta=,64), Q left leg (F\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;11,05; p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.003, eta=,34), VL right leg (F\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;7,14; p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.014, eta=,25), VL left leg (F\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;18,41; p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.000, eta=,46), BF right leg (F\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;18,86; p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.000, eta=,47), and BF left leg (F\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;23,48; p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.000, eta=,52). No significant changes were observed in the CG group. When examining group differences, a difference in favour of the CBFRG group was noted between CBFRG and CG in VL right leg (F\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;2,34; p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.120, eta=,18), and a statistically significant difference in favour of the CBFRG group was observed between CBFRG and both CEG and CG in VL left leg (F\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;3,61; p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.045, eta=,25). When percentage (%) improvements were considered, the CBFRG group showed the highest gains across all parameters.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExamination of Table \u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e revealed statistically significant differences from pre-test to post-test in the following parameters for the CEG and CBFRG groups: absolute VO₂max (lt/min) (F\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;17,18; p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.000, eta=,45), VO₂max relative to body weight (ml/min/kg) (F\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;11,07; p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.003, eta=,34), RER (F\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;29,24; p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.000, eta=,58), and MHR (F\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;32,93; p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.000, eta=,61). No significant changes were detected in the CG group. When examining group differences, a statistically significant difference was found in the RER parameter in favour of the CBFRG group compared to both the CG and CEG groups (F\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;4,71; p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.020, eta=,31). In terms of percentage (%) improvements, the CBFRG group showed the greatest gains in VO₂max (lt/min), VO₂max (ml/min/kg), RER, and MHR.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\n \u003ctable border=\"1\"\u003e\n \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\n \u003cdiv\u003eTable 2\u003c/div\u003e\n \u003cdiv\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eComparison of extension and flexion PT variables within and between groups at an angular velocity of 60\u0026deg;\u003csup\u003es\u0026minus;1\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n \u003c/caption\u003e\n \u003cthead\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePre\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePost\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026Delta;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"4\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTwo-way Repetead ANOVA\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/thead\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eVariable\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eM\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;SD\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eM\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;SD\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eT\u003csub\u003eB\u003c/sub\u003e-T\u003csub\u003eson\u003c/sub\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eT\u003csub\u003eB\u003c/sub\u003e-T\u003csub\u003eend\u003c/sub\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTime\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eGroup\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTime*Group\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTukey\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"9\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePT Right Leg Q (nm)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCEG (8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e201,38\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;42,48\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e214,00\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;41,79*\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12,62\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0,69\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e%6,26\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eF\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;20,05\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.000\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026eta;\u003csub\u003ep\u003c/sub\u003e\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e = ,48\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eF = ,57\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.574\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026eta;\u003csub\u003ep\u003c/sub\u003e\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e = ,05\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eF\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;3,50\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.048\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026eta;\u003csub\u003ep\u003c/sub\u003e\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e = ,25\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCBFRG (8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e220,25\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;28,02\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e234,63\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;29,63*\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e14,38\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1,61\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e%6,52\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCG (8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e214,00\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;39,89\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e215,63\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;42,23\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1,63\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2,34\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e%0,76\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"9\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePT Right Leg H (nm)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCEG (8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e107,13\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;32,29\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e120,88\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;28,06*\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e13,75\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4,23\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e%12,83\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eF\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;37,68\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.000\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026eta;\u003csub\u003ep\u003c/sub\u003e\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e = ,64\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eF = ,90\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.420\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026eta;\u003csub\u003ep\u003c/sub\u003e\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e = ,07\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eF\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;5,44\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.012\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026eta;\u003csub\u003ep\u003c/sub\u003e\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e = ,34\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCBFRG (8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e107,38\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;22,57\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e127,50\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;23,05*\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20,12\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0,48\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e%18,73\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCG (8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e98,38\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;30,37\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e102,13\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;27,22\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3,75\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.15\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e%3,81\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"9\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePT Left Leg Q (nm)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCEG (8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e186,38\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;28,92\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e196,00\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;36,03*\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9,62\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;7,11\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e%5,16\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eF\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;10,54\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.004\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026eta;\u003csub\u003ep\u003c/sub\u003e\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e = ,33\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eF\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;2,01\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.159\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026eta;\u003csub\u003ep\u003c/sub\u003e\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e = ,16\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eF\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;3,34\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.055\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026eta;\u003csub\u003ep\u003c/sub\u003e\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e = ,24\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCBFRG (8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e217,50\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;19,44\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e232,25\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;21,24*\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e14,75\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1,88\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e%6,78\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCG (8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e209,88\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;41,84\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e209,38\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;47,83\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0,5\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5,99\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e%0,23\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"9\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePT Left Leg H (nm)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCEG (8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e97,38\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;27,12\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e110,00\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;21,38*\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12,62\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5,74\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e%12,95\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eF\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;24,80\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.000\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026eta;\u003csub\u003ep\u003c/sub\u003e\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e = ,54\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eF = ,31\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.736\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026eta;\u003csub\u003ep\u003c/sub\u003e\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e = ,02\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eF\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;2,11\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0,146\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026eta;\u003csub\u003ep\u003c/sub\u003e\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e = ,16\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCBFRG (8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e102,25\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;29,58\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e121,75\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;21,09*\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e19,50\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;8,49\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e%19,07\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCG (8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e99,88\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;28,22\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e106,38\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;27,11\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6,50\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1,11\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e%6,50\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n \u003ctfoot\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"9\"\u003eCEG\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;Cycling Exercise Group; CBFRG\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;Cycling with blood flow restriction group; CG\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;Control group PT: Peak Torq; Q: Quadriceps; H: Hamstring; nm: Newton/Metre; w: Watt; Pre\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;preintervention; Post\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;postintervention; \u0026eta;\u003csub\u003ep\u003c/sub\u003e\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e: partial eta kare; * There is a significant difference between the pre-test and post-test values.\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tfoot\u003e\n \u003c/table\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTable 2 \u003cstrong\u003einsert here\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cdiv align=\"left\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n \u003ctable border=\"1\"\u003e\n \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\n \u003cdiv\u003eTable 3\u003c/div\u003e\n \u003cdiv\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWithin-group and between-group comparison of extension and flexion physical therapy (PT) variables at an angular velocity of 180\u003csup\u003e\u0026deg;s\u0026minus;1\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n \u003c/caption\u003e\n \u003cthead\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePre\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePost\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026Delta;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"4\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTwo-way Repetead ANOVA\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/thead\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eVariable\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eM\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;SD\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eM\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;SD\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eT\u003csub\u003eB\u003c/sub\u003e-T\u003csub\u003eson\u003c/sub\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eT\u003csub\u003eB\u003c/sub\u003e-T\u003csub\u003eend\u003c/sub\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTime\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eGroup\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTime*Group\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTukey\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"9\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePT Right Leg Q (nm)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCEG (8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e145,88\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;31,38\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e156,50\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;29,68*\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10,62\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1,7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e%7,27\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eF\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;24,81\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.000\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026eta;\u003csub\u003ep\u003c/sub\u003e\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e = ,54\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eF\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;1,71\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.204\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026eta;\u003csub\u003ep\u003c/sub\u003e\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e = ,14\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eF\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;2,83\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.082\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026eta;\u003csub\u003ep\u003c/sub\u003e\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e = ,21\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCBFRG (8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e160,63\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;19,30\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e175,50\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;17,27*\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e14,87\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2,03\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e%9,25\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCG (8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e145,63\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;19,23\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e149,25\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;24,54\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3,62\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5,31\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e%2,48\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"9\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePT Right Leg H (nm)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCEG (8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e93,50\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;25,92\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e109,25\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;23,07*\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e15,75\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2,85\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e%16,84\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eF\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;102,28\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.000\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026eta;\u003csub\u003ep\u003c/sub\u003e\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e = ,83\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eF\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;1,21\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.17\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026eta;\u003csub\u003ep\u003c/sub\u003e\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e = ,10\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eF\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;18,89\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.000\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026eta;\u003csub\u003ep\u003c/sub\u003e\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e = ,64\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCBFRG (8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e91,63\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;25,21\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e108,50\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;24,13*\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e16,87\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1,08\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e%18,41\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCG (8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e84,25\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;21,79\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e85,88\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;19,82\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1,63\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1,97\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e%1,93\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"9\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePT Left Leg Q (nm)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCEG (8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e140,25\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;21,41\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e150,63\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;19,82*\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10,38\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1,59\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e%7,40\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eF\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;12,49\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.002\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026eta;\u003csub\u003ep\u003c/sub\u003e\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e = ,37\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eF\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;5,53\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.012\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026eta;\u003csub\u003ep\u003c/sub\u003e\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e = ,34\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eF\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;2,91\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.076\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026eta;\u003csub\u003ep\u003c/sub\u003e\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e = ,21\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCBFRG\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;CG\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCBFRG\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;CEG\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCBFRG (8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e166,50\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;18,49\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e176,00\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;18,06*\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9,5\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0,43\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e%5,70\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCG (8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e145,00\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;17,29\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e145,25\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;16,11\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0,25\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1,18\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e%0,17\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"9\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePT Left Leg H (nm)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCEG (8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e87,63\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;20,48\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e101,75\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;16,40*\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e14,12\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4,0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e%16,11\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eF\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;27,54\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.000\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026eta;\u003csub\u003ep\u003c/sub\u003e\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e = ,56\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eF = ,60\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.553\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026eta;\u003csub\u003ep\u003c/sub\u003e\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e = ,05\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eF\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;4,06\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.032\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026eta;\u003csub\u003ep\u003c/sub\u003e\u003csup\u003e20\u003c/sup\u003e = ,27\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCBFRG (8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e91,50\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;26,67\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e105,75\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;26,45*\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e14,25\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0,22\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e%15,57\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCG (8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e86,00\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;17,96\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e88,38\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;19,36\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2,38\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1,40\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e%2,76\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n \u003ctfoot\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"9\"\u003eCEG\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;Cycling Exercise Group; CBFRG\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;Cycling with blood flow restriction group; CG\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;Control group PT: Peak Torq; Q: Quadriceps; H: Hamstring; nm: Newton/Metre; w: Watt; Pre\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;preintervention; Post\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;postintervention; \u0026eta;\u003csub\u003ep\u003c/sub\u003e\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e: partial eta kare; * There is a significant difference between the pre-test and post-test values.\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tfoot\u003e\n \u003c/table\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTable 3 \u003cstrong\u003einsert here\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cdiv align=\"left\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n \u003cdiv align=\"left\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n \u003ctable border=\"1\"\u003e\n \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\n \u003cdiv\u003eTable 4\u003c/div\u003e\n \u003cdiv\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWithin-group and between-group comparison of right and left lower extremity muscle thickness (RF, Q, VL and BF), as measured by ultrasonography (USG).\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n \u003c/caption\u003e\n \u003cthead\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePre\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePost\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026Delta;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"4\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTwo-way Repetead ANOVA\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/thead\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eVariable\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eM\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;SD\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eM\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;SD\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eT\u003csub\u003eB\u003c/sub\u003e-T\u003csub\u003eson\u003c/sub\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eT\u003csub\u003eB\u003c/sub\u003e-T\u003csub\u003eend\u003c/sub\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTime\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eGroup\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTime*Group\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTukey\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"9\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eRF Right Leg (mm)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCEG (8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e18,50\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2,07\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20,62\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1,92*\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2,12\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0,98\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e%11,45\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eF\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;25,44\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.000\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026eta;\u003csub\u003ep\u003c/sub\u003e\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e = ,54\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eF\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;1,21\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.104\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026eta;\u003csub\u003ep\u003c/sub\u003e\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e \u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;2,43\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eF\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;11,12\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026eta;\u003csub\u003ep\u003c/sub\u003e\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e = ,51\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCBFRG (8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e18,62\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3,33\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e21,12\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4,29*\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2,50\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0,96\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e%13,42\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCG (8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e18,18\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2,45\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e17,75\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1,48\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0,43\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0,97\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e%-2,16\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"9\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eRF Left Leg (mm)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCEG (8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e18,75\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1,83\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20,10\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1,45*\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1,35\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0,38\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e%7,20\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eF\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;21,22\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.000\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026eta;\u003csub\u003ep\u003c/sub\u003e\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e = ,50\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eF = ,88\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.426\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026eta;\u003csub\u003ep\u003c/sub\u003e\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e = ,07\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eF\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;5,41\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.013\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026eta;\u003csub\u003ep\u003c/sub\u003e\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e = ,34\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCBFRG (8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e18,75\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3,19\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20,37\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3,50*\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1,62\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0,31\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e%8,64\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCG (8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e18,12\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1,95\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e18,12\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2,03\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0,08\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e%0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"9\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eQ Right Leg (mm)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCEG (8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e35,50\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;6,54\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e37,37\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;6,25*\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1,87\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0,29\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e%13,26\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eF\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;37,66\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.000\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026eta;\u003csub\u003ep\u003c/sub\u003e\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e = ,64\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eF = ,58\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.053\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026eta;\u003csub\u003ep\u003c/sub\u003e\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e \u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;1,16\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eF\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;14,99\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.000\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026eta;\u003csub\u003ep\u003c/sub\u003e\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e = ,58\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCBFRG (8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e34,87\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5,43\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e39,75\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5,75*\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4,88\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0,45\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e%13,86\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCG (8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e34,37\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4,83\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e34,37\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4,92\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0,09\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"9\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eQ Left Leg (mm)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCEG (8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e35,75\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;6,20\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e37,75\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;6,36*\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2,00\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0,16\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e%5,59\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eF\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;11,05\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.003\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026eta;\u003csub\u003ep\u003c/sub\u003e\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e = ,34\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eF = ,48\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.624\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026eta;\u003csub\u003ep\u003c/sub\u003e\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e = ,04\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eF\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;4,02\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.033\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026eta;\u003csub\u003ep\u003c/sub\u003e\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e = ,27\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCBFRG (8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e35,75\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;6,62\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e38,62\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;6,25*\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2,87\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0,37\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e%8,62\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCG (8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e34,75\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4,20\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e34,50\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3,89\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0,25\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0,31\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e%-0,71\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"9\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eVL Right Leg (mm)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCEG (8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e18,87\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2,16\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20,25\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1,83*\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1,38\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0,33\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e%7,31\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eF\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;7,19\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0,014\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026eta;\u003csub\u003ep\u003c/sub\u003e\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e = ,25\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eF\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;2,34\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0,120\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026eta;\u003csub\u003ep\u003c/sub\u003e\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e = ,18\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eF\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;9,59\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0,001\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026eta;\u003csub\u003ep\u003c/sub\u003e\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e = ,47\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCBFRG\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;CG\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCBFRG (8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20,00\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2,56\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e22,00\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1,69*\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2,00\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0,87\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e%10,00\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCG (8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e19,37\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2,66\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e18,37\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1,59\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1,00\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1,07\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e%-5,16\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eVL Left Leg (mm)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCEG (8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e19,00\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2,07\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e21,12\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2,74*\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2,12\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0,67\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e%11,15\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eF\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;18,41\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0,000\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026eta;\u003csub\u003ep\u003c/sub\u003e\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e = ,46\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eF\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;3,61\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0,045\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026eta;\u003csub\u003ep\u003c/sub\u003e\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e = ,25\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eF\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;12,42\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0,000\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026eta;\u003csub\u003ep\u003c/sub\u003e\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e = ,54\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCBFRG\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;CG\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCBFRG\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;CEG\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCBFRG (8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e19,87\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2,16\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e22,00\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1,69*\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2,13\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0,47\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e%16,58\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCG (8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e18,50\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2,39\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e17,75\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2,25\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0,75\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0,14\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e%4,05\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"9\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eBF Right Leg (mm)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCEG (8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e28,62\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3,92\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e31,87\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4,08*\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3,25\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0,96\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e%11,35\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eF\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;18,86\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0,000\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026eta;\u003csub\u003ep\u003c/sub\u003e\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e = ,47\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eF\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;2,33\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;1,122\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026eta;\u003csub\u003ep\u003c/sub\u003e\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e = ,18\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eF\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;7,35\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0,004\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026eta;\u003csub\u003ep\u003c/sub\u003e\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e = ,41\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCBFRG (8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e28,62\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3,02\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e33,37\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3,54*\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4,75\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0,52\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e%16,37\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCG (8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e28,00\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3,20\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e27,50\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2,72\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0,50\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0,48\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e%-1,78\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"9\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eBF Left Leg (mm)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCEG (8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e28,75\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3,69\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e31,12\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4,51*\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2,37\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0,82\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e%8,24\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eF\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;23,48\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0,000\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026eta;\u003csub\u003ep\u003c/sub\u003e\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e = ,52\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eF\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;2,87\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0,079\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026eta;\u003csub\u003ep\u003c/sub\u003e\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e = ,21\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eF\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;15,69\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0,000\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026eta;\u003csub\u003ep\u003c/sub\u003e\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e = ,59\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCEG\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;CG\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCBFRG (8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e28,37\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2,66\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e33,50\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3,02*\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5,13\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0,36\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e%18,08\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCG (8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e27,75\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2,91\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e26,75\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3,01\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1,00\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0,10\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e%-3,60\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n \u003ctfoot\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"9\"\u003eCEG\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;Cycling Exercise Group; CBFRG\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;Cycling with blood flow restriction group; CG\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;Control group; RF: Rectus femoris; Q: quadriceps, VL: Vastus Lateralis; BF: Biceps Femoris; Pre\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;preintervention; Post\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;postintervention; \u0026eta;\u003csub\u003ep\u003c/sub\u003e\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e: partial eta kare; * There is a significant difference between the pre-test and post-test values.\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tfoot\u003e\n \u003c/table\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTable 4 \u003cstrong\u003einsert here\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003ctable id=\"Tab5\" border=\"1\" class=\"fr-table-selection-hover\"\u003e\n \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 5\u003c/div\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWithin-group and between-group comparison of VO₂ max, RER and HR parameters\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n \u003c/caption\u003e\n \u003cthead\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePre\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePost\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026Delta;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"4\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTwo-way Repetead ANOVA\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/thead\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eVariable\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eM\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;SD\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eM\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;SD\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eT\u003csub\u003eB\u003c/sub\u003e-T\u003csub\u003eson\u003c/sub\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eT\u003csub\u003eB\u003c/sub\u003e-T\u003csub\u003eend\u003c/sub\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTime\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eGroup\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTime*Group\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTukey\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"9\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eVO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003emax (lt/dk)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCEG (8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2925,13\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;459,16\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3084,63\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;512,47*\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e123,50\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;53,31\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e%5,30\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eF\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;17,18\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.000\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026eta;\u003csub\u003ep\u003c/sub\u003e\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e = ,45\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eF = ,19\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0,821\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026eta;\u003csub\u003ep\u003c/sub\u003e\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e = ,01\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eF\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;4,27\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.02\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026eta;\u003csub\u003ep\u003c/sub\u003e\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e = ,28\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCBFRG (8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2942,13\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;348,96\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3177,63\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;335,56*\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e235,50\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;6,60\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e%7,98\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCG (8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2931,50\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;398,87\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2939,25\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;327,75\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7,75\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;71,12\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e%0,27\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"9\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eVO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003emax (ml/dk/kg)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCEG (8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e40,75\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;6,58\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e42,88\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;6,45*\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2,13\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0,13\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e%5,24\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eF\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;11,07\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.003\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026eta;\u003csub\u003ep\u003c/sub\u003e\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e = ,34\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eF = ,36\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0,700\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026eta;\u003csub\u003ep\u003c/sub\u003e\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e = ,03\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eF\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;4,73\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.020\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026eta;\u003csub\u003ep\u003c/sub\u003e\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e = ,31\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCBFRG (8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e38,38\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3,66\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e41,13\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4,22*\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2,75\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0,56\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e%7,16\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCG (8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e40,10\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;6,04\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e39,67\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5,50\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0,43\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0,54\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e%-1,05\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"9\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eRER (CO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e/O\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCEG (8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1,07\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0,04\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1,12\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0,04*\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0,05\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0,00\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e%5,37\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eF\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;62.73\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0,000\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026eta;\u003csub\u003ep\u003c/sub\u003e\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e \u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;.74\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eF\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;4.71\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.020\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026eta;\u003csub\u003ep\u003c/sub\u003e\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e = ,31\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eF\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;10.17\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0,001\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026eta;\u003csub\u003ep\u003c/sub\u003e\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e = ,49\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCBFRG\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;CG CBFR\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;CEG\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCBFRG (8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1,10\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0,06\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1,20\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0,07*\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0,10\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0,01\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e% 9,09\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCG (8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1,07\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0,04\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1,09\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0,04\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0,02\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0,00\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e%1,75\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"9\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHR (bpm)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCEG (8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e185,25\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;8,27\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e191,25\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;6,06*\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6,00\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2,21\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e%3,23\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eF\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;32,93\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.000\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026eta;\u003csub\u003ep\u003c/sub\u003e\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e = ,61\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eF = ,35\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0,706\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026eta;\u003csub\u003ep\u003c/sub\u003e\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e = ,03\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eF\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;3,68\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.043\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026eta;\u003csub\u003ep\u003c/sub\u003e\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e = ,26\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCBFRG (8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e180,63\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;7,52\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e189,75\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;7,51*\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9,12\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0,01\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e%5,04\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCG (8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e184,50\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;8,03\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e186,88\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;10,99\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2,38\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2,96\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e%1,28\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n \u003ctfoot\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"9\"\u003eCEG\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;Cycling Exercise Group; CBFRG\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;Cycling with blood flow restriction group; CG\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;Control group; VO2max: Maximal oxygen consumption; RER: respiratory exchange rate; HR: heart rate; Pre\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;preintervention; Post\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;postintervention; \u0026eta;\u003csub\u003ep\u003c/sub\u003e\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e: partial eta kare; * There is a significant difference between the pre-test and post-test values.\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tfoot\u003e\n \u003c/table\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTable 5 \u003cstrong\u003einsert here\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"DISCUSSION","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis study demonstrates that short-duration (15 min, 40% VO₂max) cycling exercise combined with the BFR method leads to similar improvements in VO₂max, muscle strength and muscle thickness in healthy young males compared to long-duration (40 min, 40% VO₂max) cycling exercise without BFR (see Tables\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan refid=\"Tab3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan refid=\"Tab4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e and \u003cspan refid=\"Tab5\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e). Furthermore, these improvements appear to be comparable to those reported in the literature from studies involving high-intensity (VO₂max\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;40%) and prolonged (40 min) cycling interventions [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e21\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e22\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec16\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eIsokinetic Strength and Muscle Thickness\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe study showed that both muscle thickness and isokinetic parameters improved in the application groups, but there was no difference between the groups except for a few parameters. This demonstrates that both methods produce similar development outcomes (see Tables\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan refid=\"Tab3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e and \u003cspan refid=\"Tab4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAbe et al. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e18\u003c/span\u003e] reported that 15 min of low-intensity cycling exercise at 40% VO₂max with BFR resulted in increased muscle thickness and volume in the thigh and Q regions, as well as improved knee flexion strength. Concei\u0026ccedil;\u0026atilde;o et al. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e20\u003c/span\u003e] found that cycling exercise (%40 VO₂rez, 30 min) with BFR at 80 mmHg increased the cross-sectional area of the VL muscle; no such change was observed in the non-BFR group. Daryani and Borkar [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e23\u003c/span\u003e] reported that low-intensity aerobic exercise combined with BFR (15\u0026ndash;20 minutes at 70\u0026ndash;80% LOP and 40\u0026ndash;50% MHR) increased thigh muscle girth; no changes were observed in the non-BFR group. This increase was attributed to the mechanical tension induced by the cuff, which activates type II muscle fibres. Similarly, de Oliveira et al. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e24\u003c/span\u003e] reported that low-intensity aerobic exercise performed with BFR increased knee extension strength. This was explained by enhanced activation of type II motor units in the hypoxic environment induced by BFR. Although the overall strength gains were modest, sufficient activation of fast-twitch fibres was noted to support hypertrophy and strength development. In a comparable study, Park et al. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR25\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e25\u003c/span\u003e] demonstrated that a two-week walking exercise programme involving BFR (160\u0026ndash;230 mmHg, 4 km/h, 5% incline, 15 minutes) significantly increased isokinetic knee extension and flexion strength in both legs of elite male athletes.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCombining aerobic exercises with the BFR method has the potential to enhance both aerobic capacity and anaerobic performance, as well as muscular strength. This is primarily due to local muscle hypoxia during BFR, the accumulation of metabolites (particularly lactate) and increased mechanical stress. These factors lead to the recruitment of a greater number of motor units, especially type II muscle fibres. Consequently, even during low-intensity aerobic exercise, anaerobic energy systems are activated, thereby promoting improvements in both muscular strength and anaerobic capacity [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR26\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e26\u003c/span\u003e]. Additionally, limited oxygen reaches the muscles during BFR (local hypoxia) and increases the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during exercise. While excessive ROS production can damage cellular structures, controlled levels act as important signalling molecules that trigger adaptive responses in muscle cells. These responses include enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis (the formation of new mitochondria), angiogenesis (the formation of new capillaries) and muscle protein synthesis, ultimately supporting improvements in both aerobic and anaerobic performance [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR27\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e27\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e28\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn our study, we matched the training intensity and duration of the CEG group (15 minutes at 40% VO₂ max) to those of the CBFRG group in order to observe the effects of the BFR method on isokinetic knee strength and muscle thickness directly. While no improvements were observed in the CEG, the significant gains observed in the CBFRG suggest that BFR is an effective method. Furthermore, when the CEG (40 minutes) and CBFRG (15 minutes) groups were compared, despite performing the same exercise at the same intensity (40% VO₂ max) for different durations, similar increases in muscle thickness and isokinetic strength were observed. This further supports the effectiveness of the BFR method in enhancing these parameters.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn line with previous studies, an increase in muscle cross-sectional area was found to be associated with strength development [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e29\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR30\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e30\u003c/span\u003e], which supports the findings in CEG and CBFRG. The magnitude of improvement in strength and muscle thickness observed in the CEG and CBFRG groups was higher than that reported in comparable studies. This may be due to training variables specific to the BFR method, such as individualised cuff pressure, cuff width, exercise duration and intensity, participant characteristics, and exercise frequency.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec17\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAerobic Capacity\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eSimilar improvements in absolute VO₂max (L/min), bodyweight-adjusted VO₂max (mL/min/kg), RER (CO₂/O₂) and MHR (bpm) were observed in both the CEG and the CBFRG, while no improvement was detected in the CG group.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eExamining the differences between groups revealed a significant difference in the RER parameter in favour of the CBFRG compared to the CGG and CG. In terms of percentage improvements, the CBFRG showed the greatest increases in absolute VO₂max (L/min), VO₂max relative to body weight (mL/min/kg), maximum heart rate (beats per minute) and RER (CO₂/O₂) (see Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab5\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCombining aerobic exercise with the BFR method has been shown to enhance both muscular strength and aerobic capacity simultaneously [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR31\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e31\u003c/span\u003e]. For this reason, the BFR method is utilised not only for improving strength, but also for enhancing aerobic capacity.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFerreira-Junior et al. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR32\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e32\u003c/span\u003e] reported that walking exercise performed with BFR (80\u0026ndash;100% LOP at 6 km/h with a 5% incline for 15 min) increased VO₂max (mL/min/kg). Similarly, Ozaki et al. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR33\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e33\u003c/span\u003e] found that cycling exercise combined with BFR (LOP: 140\u0026ndash;200 mmHg; 12 min at 20%, 40% and 60% of VO₂max) increased VO₂ by around 10% more; and they attributed this improvement to peripheral (a-v)O₂) and central (MHR) cardiovascular adaptations. Abe et al. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e18\u003c/span\u003e] reported a 6.4% increase in VO₂max (L/min) following 15 min of low-intensity cycling exercise at 40% VO₂max with BFR. They linked this improvement to enhanced oxidative capacity and stroke volume adaptations. Similarly, Pinheiro et al. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR34\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e34\u003c/span\u003e] observed a 11.38% increase in VO₂max (mL/min/kg) following low-intensity BFR training and associated the gains with metabolic adaptations, such as angiogenesis and mitochondrial biogenesis. Park et al. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR35\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e35\u003c/span\u003e] observed increases in VO₂max, RER and MHR in the BFR\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;walking group, whereas no changes were detected in the control group. RER has been linked to elevated lactate levels associated with exercise intensity [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR36\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e36\u003c/span\u003e] and BFR is known to promote greater motor unit recruitment and increased lactate tolerance due to metabolite accumulation in a hypoxic environment [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e]. In our study, the higher RER increase observed in the CBFRG compared to the CEG may be explained by these physiological adaptations.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNumerous studies in the literature have consistently shown that low-intensity exercise programmes, such as cycling, walking and aerobic training, combined with the BFR method, lead to improvements in VO₂max [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e18\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e19\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR33\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e33\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR35\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e35\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan additionalcitationids=\"CR38 CR39 CR40 CR41 CR42 CR43\" citationid=\"CR37\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e37\u003c/span\u003e\u0026ndash;\u003cspan citationid=\"CR44\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e44\u003c/span\u003e]. However, the specific physiological mechanisms responsible for these improvements remain a matter of debate, as different studies report varying underlying factors. These discrepancies may be attributed to the variability of the factors influencing VO₂max, including exercise intensity, duration and frequency; the characteristics of the participant population; gender; and body composition.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"CONCLUSION","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe present study found that combining low-intensity cycling with the BFR method effectively improves VO₂max, muscular strength and muscle thickness. Similar improvements were observed when comparing the outcomes of the CBFRG to those of the CEG, suggesting that BFR-enhanced, short-duration, low-intensity cycling could be an alternative to longer-duration, low-intensity cycling protocols. The improvements observed in this study may be explained by two primary factors: [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e] The increase of approximately 1 kg in lower extremity skeletal muscle mass, corresponding to a gain of around 10%, has been shown to predict an increase of around 200 ml/min in VO₂max [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR45\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e45\u003c/span\u003e] and [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e] the physiological mechanisms associated with the BFR method, including metabolite accumulation and the recruitment of large motor units (particularly large-diameter, fast-fatiguing, fast-twitch fibres), as well as adaptations related to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the (a-v)O\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn conclusion, it was determined that combining the BFR method with low-intensity exercise effectively enhances both aerobic capacity and muscular strength, which are two key determinants of athletic performance. Using this method could offer coaches across various sports disciplines significant advantages in promoting exercise variety and optimising time efficiency. This is particularly important during periods when high-intensity or long-duration exercise protocols are difficult to implement or when training intensity is deliberately reduced for the athletes who are new to sports or those returning from injury. In such cases, the additional time required to improve aerobic capacity and strength can be disadvantageous. However, this study\u0026rsquo;s findings suggest that integrating BFR with low-intensity exercise yields comparable results and, in some cases, superior ones. This transforms the disadvantage of the extended time into a practical advantage by enabling more efficient use of training time.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Abbreviations","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionList\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionListEntry\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"Term\"\u003eBFR\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"Description\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eBlood Flow Restriction\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionListEntry\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"Term\"\u003eCEG\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"Description\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCycling Exercise Group\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionListEntry\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"Term\"\u003eCBFRG\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"Description\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCycling with Blood Flow Restriction Group\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionListEntry\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"Term\"\u003eCG\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"Description\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eControl Group\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionListEntry\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"Term\"\u003eLOP\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"Description\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eLimb Occlusion Pressure\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionListEntry\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"Term\"\u003ePT\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"Description\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePeak Torq\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionListEntry\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"Term\"\u003eRF\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"Description\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eRectus Femoris\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionListEntry\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"Term\"\u003eVL\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"Description\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eVastus Lateralis\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionListEntry\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"Term\"\u003eBF\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"Description\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eBiceps Femoris\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionListEntry\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"Term\"\u003eVO2max\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"Description\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMaximal Oxygen Consumption\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionListEntry\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"Term\"\u003eRER\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"Description\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eRespiratory Exchange Rate\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionListEntry\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"Term\"\u003eHR\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"Description\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eHeart Rate\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEthics Approval and Consent to Participate\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEthical approval for the study was obtained from the Gazi University Ethics Committee under decision number 2022/961 dated 4 October 2022. The study was conducted in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. Prior to the commencement of the measurements, a comprehensive explanation of the study protocol was provided to the participants, and informed consent forms were collected.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConsent for Publication\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot applicable\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailability of Data and Materials\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eData supporting the findings of this study are available through the corresponding author, but restrictions apply to the availability of these data used for the current study and are therefore not publicly available. However, data are available from the corresponding author (
[email protected]) upon reasonable request.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompeting Interests\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors declare that they have no competing interests.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFunding\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis research has been supported by the Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit of Nigde Omer Halisdemir University (Project Number: SPT 2022/3 BAGEP, 2022).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAuthors\u0026apos; Contributions\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe first draft of the manuscript and the revised manuscript were written by GY, ZBA, Sİ, NEP, HA, and BARM, GY, ZBA and NEH completed the data analysis and suggested revisions to the manuscript. ZBA, GY, HA, Sİ and BARM participated in the design of the study and performed the statistical analysis, GY, ZBA, NEP and HA conceived of the study and participated in its design and coordination and helped to draft the manuscript. GY, ZBA, Sİ and NEP completed the visualization. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAcknowledgements\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClinical trial number: NCT07114835\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBillat VL, Demarle A, Slawinski J, Paiva M, Koralsztein JP. Physical and training characteristics of top-class marathon runners. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2001;33(12):2089\u0026ndash;97.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGabbett TJ, Jenkins DG, Abernethy B. Relationships between physiological, anthropometric, and skill qualities and playing performance in professional rugby league players. J Sports Sci. 2011;29(15):1655\u0026ndash;64.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eManari D, Manara M, Zurini A, Tortorella G, Vaccarezza M, Prandelli N, et al. VO2max and VO2AT: athletic performance and field role of elite soccer players. Sport Sci Health. 2016;12:221\u0026ndash;6.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTomlin DL, Wenger HA. The relationship between aerobic fitness and recovery from high intensity intermittent exercise. Sports Med. 2001;31:1\u0026ndash;11.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKodama S, Saito K, Tanaka S, Maki M, Yachi Y, Asumi M, et al. Cardiorespiratory fitness as a quantitative predictor of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events in healthy men and women: a meta-analysis. JAMA. 2009;301(19):2024\u0026ndash;35.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAmerican College of Sports Medicine. General principles of exercise prescription. ACSM\u0026rsquo;s guidelines for exercise testing and prescription. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams \u0026amp; Wilkins; 2013. pp. 152\u0026ndash;80.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBuchheit M, Laursen PB. High-intensity interval training, solutions to the programming puzzle: Part I: cardiopulmonary emphasis. Sports Med. 2013;43(5):313\u0026ndash;38.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePişkin NE, Yavuz G, Aktuğ ZB. Kuvvet gelişiminde yeni bir yaklaşım: kan akışı kısıtlama antrenman y\u0026ouml;ntemi: geleneksel derleme. Gazi Beden Eğitimi ve Spor Bilimleri Dergisi. 2023;28(4):276\u0026ndash;90.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLoenneke JP, Wilson JM, Mar\u0026iacute;n PJ, Zourdos MC, Bemben MG. Low intensity blood flow restriction training: a meta-analysis. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2012;112:1849\u0026ndash;59.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePatterson SD, Hughes L, Warmington S, Burr J, Scott BR, Owens J, et al. Blood flow restriction exercise: considerations of methodology, application, and safety. Front Physiol. 2019;10:533.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003ede Queiros VS, Dantas M, Neto GR, da Silva LF, Assis MG, Almeida-Neto PF, et al. Application and side effects of blood flow restriction technique: a cross-sectional questionnaire survey of professionals. Med (Baltim). 2021;100(18):e25794.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChang H, Zhang J, Yan J, Yang X, Chen B, Zhang J. Effects of blood flow restriction training on muscle strength and hypertrophy in untrained males: a systematic review and meta-analysis based on a comparison with high-load resistance training. Life (Basel). 2024;14(11):1442. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003e10.3390/life14111442\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.3390/life14111442\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGao Y, Nagai T, Ikeda T, Yamamoto M, Goto K. Blood flow restriction training for improving aerobic capacity: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Strength Cond Res. 2025;39(1):85\u0026ndash;96. PMID: 39839525.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBennett H, Slattery F. Effects of blood flow restriction training on aerobic capacity and performance: a systematic review. J Strength Cond Res. 2019;33(2):572\u0026ndash;83.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCastilla-L\u0026oacute;pez C, Sillero-Quintana M, De Benito AM, Mu\u0026ntilde;oz-Jim\u0026eacute;nez M. Effects of blood flow restriction training on VO₂max and endurance performance: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2023;20(2):4738. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003e10.3390/ijerph20024738\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.3390/ijerph20024738\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIlett MJ, Rantalainen T, Keske MA, May AK, Warmington SA. The effects of restriction pressures on the acute responses to blood flow restriction exercise. Front Physiol. 2019;10:1018.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eScott BR, Loenneke JP, Slattery KM, Dascombe BJ. Exercise with blood flow restriction: an updated evidence-based approach for enhanced muscular development. Sports Med. 2015;45:313\u0026ndash;25.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAbe T, Fujita S, Nakajima T, Sakamaki M, Ozaki H, Ogasawara R, et al. Effects of low-intensity cycle training with restricted leg blood flow on thigh muscle volume and VO₂max in young men. J Sports Sci Med. 2010;9(3):452.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAbe T, Kearns CF, Sato Y. Muscle size and strength are increased following walk training with restricted venous blood flow from the leg muscle: Kaatsu-walk training. J Appl Physiol (1985). 2006;100(5):1460\u0026ndash;6.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eConceicao MS, Junior EM, Telles GD, Libardi CA, Castro A, Andrade AL, et al. Augmented anabolic responses after 8-wk cycling with blood flow restriction. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2019;51(1):84\u0026ndash;93.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eZeng Q, Wang L, Zhang Y, Wei H, He Z. Effects of blood flow restriction cycling training on body composition and blood lipids in overweight male college students. Front Physiol. 2022;12:792756. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003e10.3389/fphys.2021.792756\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.3389/fphys.2021.792756\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEsparza D, Castillo A, Mart\u0026iacute;nez-Guardado I, Delgado-Floody P, Jerez-Mayorga D, Garc\u0026iacute;a-Pinillos F. Effects of blood flow restriction training on aerobic capacity and performance: a systematic review. J Hum Kinet. 2020;72:247\u0026ndash;59. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003e10.2478/hukin-2019-0123\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.2478/hukin-2019-0123\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDaryani A, Borkar T. A comparative study of low intensity aerobic blood flow restriction training and conventional aerobic training on VO₂max and thigh muscle girth in healthy 18\u0026ndash;25-year-old adults. Int J Phys Educ Sports Health. 2020;7(1):158\u0026ndash;61.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003ede Oliveira MFMD, Caputo F, Corvino RB, Denadai BS. Short-term low-intensity blood flow restricted interval training improves both aerobic fitness and muscle strength. Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2016;26(9):1017\u0026ndash;25.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePark S, Kim JK, Choi HM, Kim HG, Beekley MD, Nho H. Increase in maximal oxygen uptake following 2-week walk training with blood flow occlusion in athletes. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2010;109(4):591\u0026ndash;600.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSlysz J, Stultz J, Burr JF. The efficacy of blood flow restricted exercise: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Sci Med Sport. 2016;19(8):669\u0026ndash;75.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMougios V. Exercise Biochemistry. 2nd ed. Champaign (IL): Human Kinetics; 2020.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTakarada Y, Nakamura Y, Aruga S, Onda T, Miyazaki S, Ishii N. Rapid increase in plasma growth hormone after low-intensity resistance exercise with vascular occlusion. J Appl Physiol (1985). 2000;88(1):61\u0026ndash;5. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003e10.1152/jappl.2000.88.1.61\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1152/jappl.2000.88.1.61\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAbe T, Kawakami Y, Suzuki Y, Gunji A, Fukunaga T. Effects of 20 days bed rest on muscle morphology. J Gravit Physiol. 1997;4(1):10\u0026ndash;4.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStrasser EM, Draskovits T, Praschak M, Quittan M, Graf A. Association between ultrasound measurements of muscle thickness, pennation angle, echogenicity and skeletal muscle strength in the elderly. Age (Dordr). 2013;35(6):2377\u0026ndash;88.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eScott BR, Loenneke JP, Slattery KM, Dascombe BJ. Blood flow restricted exercise for athletes: a review of available evidence. J Sci Med Sport. 2016;19(5):360\u0026ndash;7.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFerreira A Jr, de Araujo AC, Chimin P, Okuno NM. Effect of walk training with blood flow restriction on oxygen uptake kinetics, maximum oxygen uptake and muscle strength in middle-aged adults. Med Dello Sport. 2019;72(4):616\u0026ndash;27.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOzaki H, Brechue WF, Sakamaki M, Yasuda T, Nishikawa M, Aoki N, et al. Metabolic and cardiovascular responses to upright cycle exercise with leg blood flow reduction. J Sports Sci Med. 2010;9(2):224\u0026ndash;30.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePinheiro FA, Pires FO, R\u0026oslash;nnestad BR, Hardt F, Concei\u0026ccedil;\u0026atilde;o MS, Lixandr\u0026atilde;o ME, et al. The effect of low-intensity aerobic training combined with blood flow restriction on maximal strength, muscle mass, and cycling performance in a cyclist with knee displacement. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022;19(5):2993.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePark S, Kim JK, Choi HM, Kim HG, Beekley MD, Nho H. Increase in maximal oxygen uptake following 2-week walk training with blood flow occlusion in athletes. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2010;109(4):591\u0026ndash;600.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eZagatto AM, Miyagi WE, Sakugawa RL, Kaminagakura EI, Papoti M. Bisiklet ergometresi kademeli egzersiz testi sırasında solunum değişim oranı ile aerobik dayanıklılık \u0026ouml;l\u0026ccedil;\u0026uuml;m\u0026uuml;. Egzersiz Fizyolojisi \u0026Ccedil;evrimi\u0026ccedil;i Dergisi. 2012;15(5):49\u0026ndash;56.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCorvino RB, Oliveira MFMD, Santos RPD, Denadai BS, Caputo F. Four weeks of blood flow restricted training increases time to exhaustion at severe intensity cycling exercise. Rev Bras Cineantropom Desempenho Hum. 2014;16:570\u0026ndash;8.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKim D, Singh H, Loenneke JP, Thiebaud RS, Fahs CA, Rossow LM, et al. Comparative effects of vigorous-intensity and low-intensity blood flow restricted cycle training and detraining on muscle mass, strength, and aerobic capacity. J Strength Cond Res. 2016;30(5):1453\u0026ndash;61.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAbe T, Sakamaki M, Fujita S, Ozaki H, Sugaya M, Sato Y, et al. Effects of low-intensity walk training with restricted leg blood flow on muscle strength and aerobic capacity in older adults. J Geriatr Phys Ther. 2010;33(1):34\u0026ndash;40.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTaylor CW, Ingham SA, Ferguson RA. Acute and chronic effect of sprint interval training combined with postexercise blood-flow restriction in trained individuals. Exp Physiol. 2016;101(1):143\u0026ndash;54.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSilva JCG, Pereira Neto EA, Pfeiffer PAS, Neto GR, Rodrigues AS, Bemben MG, et al. Acute and chronic responses of aerobic exercise with blood flow restriction: a systematic review. Front Physiol. 2019;10:1239.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRenzi CP, Tanaka H, Sugawara J. Effects of leg blood flow restriction during walking on cardiovascular function. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2010;42(4):726\u0026ndash;32.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKumagai K, Kurobe K, Zhong H, Loenneke J, Thiebaud R, Ogita F, et al. Cardiovascular drift during low intensity exercise with leg blood flow restriction. Acta Physiol Hung. 2012;99(4):392\u0026ndash;9.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKarabulut M, Garcia SD. Hemodynamic responses and energy expenditure during blood flow restriction exercise in obese population. Clin Physiol Funct Imaging. 2017;37(1):1\u0026ndash;7.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSanada K, Kearns CF, Kojima K, Abe T. Peak oxygen uptake during running and arm cranking normalized to total and regional skeletal muscle mass measured by magnetic resonance imaging. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2005;93:687\u0026ndash;93.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":false,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"
[email protected]","identity":"bmc-sports-science-medicine-and-rehabilitation","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"ssmr","sideBox":"Learn more about [BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation](http://bmcsportsscimedrehabil.biomedcentral.com/)","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"https://www.editorialmanager.com/ssmr/default.aspx","title":"BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation","twitterHandle":"BMC_series","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"em","reportingPortfolio":"BMC Series","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Blood flow restriction, aerobic capacity, VO2max, muscle strength, muscle thickness","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-6888223/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-6888223/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003ch2\u003eBackground\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe aim of this study is to investigate the effects of low-intensity cycling exercise combined with blood flow restriction (BFR) on VO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003emax, muscle strength, and muscle thickness.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eMethods\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eTwenty-four sedentary male participants volunteered for the study and were divided into three groups, each consisting of eight individuals: cycling exercise group (CEG; 40% VO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003emax, 40 minutes), cycling exercise with blood flow restriction group (CBFRG; 40% VO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003emax, limb occlusion pressure (LOP) at 60\u0026ndash;80%, 15 min), and control group (CG; 40% VO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003emax, 15 minutes). The isokinetic knee strength parameters, muscle thickness, and VO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003emax values of participants were measured twice, at the beginning of the study and at the end of the ninth week. Data were analysed using two-way repeated measures ANOVA.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eResults\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe analysis revealed significant improvements in muscle thickness and VO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003emax parameters favouring post-tests for both the CEG and the CBFRG. In inter-group comparisons, significant advantages for the CBFRG were identified in the respiratory exchange ratio (RER) and vastus lateralis (VL) muscle thickness in both legs. Other parameters showed similar improvements across the groups. Additionally, peak torque (PT) at an angular velocity 180\u0026deg;\u003csup\u003es\u0026minus;1\u003c/sup\u003e in the left leg quadriceps (Q, F\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;5.53; p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.021; η\u0026sup2;=0.34) and mean power (MP) in the right leg quadriceps demonstrated significant benefits for the CBFRG.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eConclusions\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe study concludes that low-intensity cycling combined with BFR significantly enhances VO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003emax, muscle strength, and muscle thickness, with improvements comparable to those obtained from high-intensity cycling exercises. Therefore, low-intensity cycling exercise with BFR can be considered a robust alternative to traditional high-intensity cycling exercises.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTrial registration:\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eCurrent Controlled Trials NCT07114835 08/08/2025\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"The effect of Low-Intensity Cycling Exercise Combined with Blood Flow Restriction on VO2max, Muscle Strength, and Muscle Thickness","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2025-08-25 12:24:31","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-6888223/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2026-01-02T19:52:11+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2026-01-01T23:15:15+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"320371051006778915457206970078229331088","date":"2025-12-27T13:12:42+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"36308827268284013524365458539817203588","date":"2025-12-22T14:16:48+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2025-08-18T09:00:38+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"152727479735675415543783373701618583799","date":"2025-08-18T08:54:44+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewersInvited","content":"","date":"2025-08-17T11:52:07+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorAssigned","content":"","date":"2025-08-12T10:04:54+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"checksComplete","content":"","date":"2025-08-12T06:26:13+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"submitted","content":"BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation","date":"2025-08-12T06:22:59+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"
[email protected]","identity":"bmc-sports-science-medicine-and-rehabilitation","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"ssmr","sideBox":"Learn more about [BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation](http://bmcsportsscimedrehabil.biomedcentral.com/)","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"https://www.editorialmanager.com/ssmr/default.aspx","title":"BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation","twitterHandle":"BMC_series","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"em","reportingPortfolio":"BMC Series","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"7021a9a1-c4c8-429a-8a0a-1236e83bd58f","owner":[],"postedDate":"August 25th, 2025","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"under-review","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2025-08-25T12:24:31+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2025-08-25 12:24:31","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-6888223","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-6888223","identity":"rs-6888223","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"8U1c8b4HqxoKbykW_rLl7","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}
Text is read by the "Ask this paper" AI Q&A widget below.
Extraction quality varies by source — PMC NXML preserves structure
cleanly, OA-HTML may include some navigation residue, and OA-PDF can
have broken hyphenation. The publisher copy
(via DOI)
is the canonical version.