Abstract
Ischemic preconditioning (IP) has a small benefit on exercise performance, but differences
in the IP method, performance tasks and exercise modality have made providing practical
coach guidelines difficult. We investigated the performance-enhancing effects of IP
on cyclists by comparing the frequency of IP application over a 7-day period. Using
a randomized, sham-controlled, single-blinded experiment, 24 competitive age-group
track cyclists (38±12 years) were assigned to one of three twice-daily (sham: 20 and
20 mmHg; once-a-day: 20 and 220 mmHg; twice-a-day: 220 and 220 mmHg) IP leg protocols
(4 × 5 min ischemia/5 min reperfusion alternating between legs) over seven consecutive
days. A 4000-m cycling-ergometer time trial was completed before, immediately following
and one week after the protocols. Neither mean power, nor 4000-m performance time
nor VO2 were significantly affected by either of the IP protocols compared to the sham at
any time point following treatment. Repeated application of IP over seven days did
not enhance the performance of trained cyclists in a 4000-m laboratory time trial.
More research is required to understand how changes to methodological variables can
improve the chances of IP successfully enhancing athlete performance.
Key word
time trial - hypoxia - occlusion - reperfusion - sport