The Effect of a Training Program with Venous Blood Flow Restriction on Muscular Strength and Skill Performance on the Rings Apparatus

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effect of an eight week blood flow restriction (BFR) training program on muscular strength and rings skill performance among university students, compared with a traditional training program of equal duration and frequency. Thirty male students enrolled in Gymnastics (1) at Palestine Technical University – Kadoorie were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n=15) or a control group (n=15). Both groups were equivalent at baseline. The experimental group performed BFR exercises three times per week using calibrated limb cuffs with progressive pressure (120→160 mmHg), while the control group followed the traditional program. Outcomes included vertical jump, pull ups, 10 s push ups, 10 s sit ups, and rings routine score. Both groups improved significantly (p ≤ 0.05), but the experimental group achieved greater gains, particularly in pull ups (+41.20%), push ups (+21.62%), sit ups (+22.33%), vertical jump (+14.01%), and rings routine score (+94.44%). Posttest comparisons favored the experimental group across all measures. The study concludes that structured BFR training enhances strength and rings performance more effectively than traditional methods. It is recommended that BFR protocols be integrated into university gymnastics programs, with careful monitoring of cuff pressure and individual responses, and that future research explore broader populations to confirm generalizability