Abstract
Low-Intensity occlusion training provides a unique beneficial training mode for promoting
muscle hypertrophy. Training at intensities as low as 20% 1RM with moderate vascular
occlusion results in muscle hypertrophy in as little as three weeks. The primary mechanisms
by which occlusion training is thought to stimulate growth include, metabolic accumulation,
which stimulates a subsequent increase in anabolic growth factors, fast-twitch fiber
recruitment (FT), and increased protein synthesis through the mammalian target of
rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. Heat shock proteins, Nitric oxide synthase-1 (NOS-1) and
Myostatin have also been shown to be affected by an occlusion stimulus. In conclusion,
low-intensity occlusion training appears to work through a variety of mechanisms.
The research behind these mechanisms is incomplete thus far, and requires further
examination, primarily to identify the actual metabolite responsible for the increase
in GH with occlusion, and determine which mechanisms are associated to a greater degree
with the hypertrophic/anti-catabolic changes seen with blood flow restriction.
Key words
HSP 72 - growth hormone - lactate - mTOR - hypertrophy - myostatin
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Correspondence
J. P. Loenneke
Southeast Missouri State University Health, Human Performance and Recreation
One University Plaza
63701 Cape Girardeau
United States
Telefon: 573-450-2952
Fax: 573-651-5150
eMail: jploenneke1s@semo.edu
