The Effect of Two Weeks of Interval Training with and without Blood Flow Restriction on Growth Indices (GH, IGF-۱, LA) in Active Adolescent

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of two weeks of interval training with and without blood flow restriction on the serum levels of growth hormone, IGF-۱ and lactate in active adolescent boys.Materials and Methods Twenty four active male adolescents (mean age of ۱۷±۸۳ years, height of ۱۷۱±۴۷ cm) were selected as the sample and randomly divided into two groups of training with (BFR) and without blood flow restriction (WFR). The training protocol was performed with an intensity of ۶۰-۷۵% of MHR, two sessions a week, three repetitions in the first week and four repetitions of ۴۰۰ meters in the second week. The rest between repetitions was ۶۰-۸۰ seconds. The cuff pressure for thighs during exercise was between ۱۴۰ and ۱۸۰ mmHg. Blood samples were taken to measure IGF-۱ and GH indices before exercise and ۴۸ hours after the last exercise session and lactate immediately after. Sports activity was taken from the last session. To analyze the data, ۲x۲ ANOVA statistical test and independent t test were used at a significance level of ۰.۰۵.ResultsThe findings showed a significant increase in the levels of blood lactate and GH in the BFR group (p = ۰.۰۰۱). However, there was no significant change in the IGF-۱ levels for BFR or WFR groups (p = ۰.۰۹۹).ConclusionAccordingly, it can be said that performing interval trainings with BFR probably may be more effective in enhancing youths' growth and performance indicators when compare to training without blood flow restriction.