This study aimed to evaluate the effects of ischemic preconditioning on lower limb explosive power and post-exercise recovery in basketball players during a 6-week post-season recovery training period. Thirty-four male collegiate basketball players were randomly assigned to either an IPC group or a placebo control group. Bilateral lower limb IPC intervention (3 cycles, each consisting of 5-minute ischemia at 220 mmHg and 5-minute reperfusion, twice per week for 6 weeks) was administered before routine basketball training sessions. Lower limb explosive power, as well as physiological, biochemical, and morphological indices, were assessed before and after the intervention.
Male basketball students at Guangzhou Sport University.
Regular participants in basketball training/practice.
Healthy adults without cardiovascular, hepatic, renal, digestive, neurological, or metabolic diseases.
Blood pressure within normal range.
Presence of acute or chronic diseases affecting exercise performance.
History of deep vein thrombosis or coagulation disorders.
Presence of skin lesions or infections at the thigh cuff placement site.
Participation in other concurrent lower extremity strength/power training programs outside the study.
Parallel
Ischemic Preconditioning
DeviceBilateral thigh compression was applied using a Theratools pneumatic cuff (T-bfr-0475). Three cycles, each consisting of 5 minutes of ischemia (pressure 220 mmHg) and 5 minutes of reperfusion (total 30 minutes), were performed before regular basketball training sessions. The intervention was conducted twice per week for 6 weeks. Cuff placement: at the inguinal crease of the thigh. Subject position: supine, alternating between left and right legs.
Placebo Ischemic Preconditioning
DeviceIdentical procedure to IPC group except cuff pressure maintained at 20 mmHg (non-ischemic), applied before regular basketball training. Twice weekly for 6 weeks.
Squat Jump (SJ) height
Change from baseline in lower extremity concentric explosive power measured by Smart Jump portable contact mat (cm).
Countermovement Jump (CMJ) height
Change from baseline in lower extremity reactive explosive power without arm swing (cm).
Reactive Strength Index (RSI)
Change from baseline in RSI derived from 30cm drop jump using Smart Jump system (m/s). The RSI was calculated as jump height divided by ground contact time, with higher values indicating better reactive strength capacity in athletes (i.e., shorter ground contact times and greater jump heights). The observed range of RSI in the present study was \[minimum value\]-\[maximum value\] m/s.
Standing Long Jump
Change from baseline in lower extremity horizontal explosive power (cm).
Blood Lactate Accumulation
Change in blood lactate accumulation during 10-second maximal load test (mmol/L).
Peak Power (10s Test)
Change from baseline in peak power output during 10-second maximal load test on Monark 828E cycle ergometer (Watts).
Mean Power (10s Test)
Change from baseline in mean power output during 10-second maximal load test (Watts).
Testosterone/Cortisol Ratio
Change from baseline in T/C ratio (×10-²).
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