Introduction The cellular mechanisms of muscular hypertrophy resulting from Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) training have not been well studied. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of BFR on serum levels of proxis-1-alpha (PGC-1α), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and myostatin in male athletes after anterior cruciate ligament surgery.
Materials and Methods: 20 people were selected from the volunteers and randomly divided into 2 groups (10 people in each group) 1. BFR exercise; 2- Control. Subjects in both groups performed resistance training movements in 2 to 4 sets with an intensity of 30 to 70% RM. The subjects in the BFR group performed resistance training movements by closing the pressure cuff in the upper thigh with a pressure of 120 to 180 mm Hg. Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance and paired t-test.
Results: The results showed that 12 weeks of BFR training significantly increased the serum concentration of IGF-1 and significantly decreased the serum levels of myostatin in the post-test compared to the pre-test (P = 0.009). The results also showed that BFR training did not have a significant effect on serum PGC-1α concentration.
Conclusion: Overall, the results showed that BFR training leads to changes in serum levels of myostatin and IGF-1, which is of particular importance compared to traditional resistance training.