Effects of Blood Flow Restriction Training on Respiratory Muscle Strength and Pulmonary Function in Healthy Young Adults

Year 2026, Volume: 31 Issue: 1 , 55 - 60 , 30.03.2026

Zeliha Çelik , Nevin Atalay Güzel , Nihan Kafa , Necdet Eray Pişkin , Zait Burak Aktuğ , Hasan Aka

https://doi.org/10.53434/gbesbd.1846606

https://izlik.org/JA64DY56CG

Abstract

Blood flow restriction (BFR) training has been effective on musculoskeletal and physiological systems even at low training intensities. However, data on the effects of BFR training on respiratory muscle strength and pulmonary function are limited. The study aims to investigate the effects of low-load BFR training on respiratory muscle strength and pulmonary function parameters in healthy adults. This prospective study included male participants aged 18–30 years. The study groups consisted of 25 participants in total, 12 who performed BFR training and 13 who did not. The BFR group completed an 8-week resistance exercise program at 20%-40% 1RM (3 sets/30-15-15 repetitions) three days per week. The non-BFR group followed the same exercise protocol without BFR. Pulmonary function (FVC, FEV₁, FEV₁/FVC, PEF) and respiratory muscle strength (MIP, MEP) were assessed using a spirometer. Baseline demographic and clinical variables were similar between groups (p>0.05). Significant time effects were observed for MIP, MEP, FVC%, FEV₁%, and PEF% (p<0.05). However, no significant group x time interactions were found for all parameters in both groups (p>0.05). Low-load BFR training is a safe and feasible method that provides improvements in respiratory muscle strength and lung function similar to conventional training. Further studies with longer intervention durations are needed to determine the respiratory system effects of BFR.

Keywords

Blood flow restriction training , Pulmonary function test , Respiratory muscles

Ethical Statement

The study was approved by the Gazi University Ethics Committee on 23.11.2021, with decision number 264338.

Supporting Institution

The authors received no financial support for this research.

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