This randomized clinical trial will include competitive male and female sprinters aged 16-30 years, recruited through purposive sampling. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: (A) HL-BFR (70-85% 1RM with BFR during sets), (B) LL-BFR (20-30% 1RM with BFR), or (C) Passive BFR (BFR applied between sets). The intervention will consist of a 6-week sprint-specific resistance training program performed thrice weekly, incorporating resisted sprints, barbell step-ups, hip thrusts, Nordic curls, and bounding exercises. Strength will be measured using 1RM testing, explosive power through countermovement and standing broad jumps, and sprint performance via 10m, 30m, and 100m timed sprints. Subjective exertion will be tracked using the sRPE scale.
The study aims to determine whether HL-BFR, LL-BFR, or passive BFR produces superior improvements in sprint performance and neuromuscular strength. It is hypothesized that HL-BFR may yield greater adaptations due to combined mechanical and metabolic stress, though LL-BFR and passive BFR may offer practical, low-impact alternatives.
Age between 16-30 years
Competitive sprinters with at least 2 years of sprint-specific training
Healthy individuals without cardiovascular, metabolic, musculoskeletal, or neurological disorders
Willingness to participate in a 6-week training program
Pregnancy or lactation
Cardiovascular, vascular, pulmonary, renal or metabolic disorders
Uncontrolled hypertension
Recent significant weight loss
Parallel
High-Load Blood Flow Restriction Training (HL-BFR)
Other interventionIn the High-Load BFR group, participants will perform resistance exercises at 70-85% of one-repetition maximum (1RM) with BFR applied during exercise sets.
Low-Load Blood Flow Restriction Training (LL-BFR)
Other interventionIn the Low-Load BFR group, participants will perform resistance exercises at 20-30% of one-repetition maximum (1RM) with BFR applied during exercise sets.
Passive Blood Flow Restriction Training (PBFR)
Other interventionIn the Passive BFR group, participants will perform resistance exercises at 70-85% of one-repetition maximum (1RM) with BFR applied only during rest intervals between sets.
Lower Limb Muscle Strength (1RM Test)
Maximum voluntary strength of lower limb muscles will be assessed using one repetition maximum (1RM) testing protocol for resistance training exercises.
Vertical Jump Height
Explosive lower limb power will be assessed using vertical jump performance test measured in centimeters.
10-Meter Sprint Time
Sprint performance over short distance will be measured using timing gates in seconds.
30-Meter Sprint Time
Sprint acceleration and performance will be measured using electronic timing system in seconds.
100-Meter Sprint Time
Overall sprint performance will be assessed using timing system in seconds.
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