The Effects of 8 Weeks of Functional Strength Training and Blood Flow Restriction Training on Lower Limb Muscle Strength, Maximal Power, and Movement Quality in Male Sprinter College Athletes

Abstract

Objective: Functional strength training (FST) combined with blood flow restriction (BFR) offers additional benefits in older adults and injured patients, but evidence in athletes is limited. This study aimed to determine whether adding BFR to FST improves lower limb muscle strength, power, and movement quality in male college sprinters. Methods: Twenty‑eight male college sprinters were randomly assigned to an FST‑BFR group (n = 14, age 20.17 ± 0.65 years) or an FST group (n = 14, age 19.98 ± 0.39 years). Both groups performed the same FST program for 8 weeks (3 sessions/week). The FST‑BFR group wore cuffs set at 50% of arterial occlusion pressure. Pre‑ and post‑intervention assessments included isokinetic knee strength at 60°·s⁻¹ and 300°·s⁻¹, countermovement jump (CMJ), squat jump (SJ), Wingate 30‑s anaerobic test (average power [AP], peak power [PP], minimum power [MinP]), functional movement screen (FMS), and lower quarter Y‑balance test (YBT). Data were analysed using two‑way repeated‑measures ANOVA (parametric) and Wilcoxon/Mann‑Whitney tests (non‑parametric). Results: Both groups improved over time in most measures (p < 0.05). A significant group × time interaction was observed for AP (F = 80.51, p < 0.001, η²ₚ = 0.756), with the FST‑BFR group showing a greater improvement (mean change +92.99 W vs. +34.72 W). For PP, 300°·s⁻¹ knee flexor strength, CMJ, and SJ, significant group × time interactions were found (p < 0.05), but simple effects analysis did not detect significant between‑group differences at post‑intervention (p > 0.05). No significant interactions were found for YBT, FMS, or other isokinetic variables (all p > 0.05). Conclusion: Eight weeks of FST, with or without BFR, was associated with significant improvements over time in isokinetic strength, movement quality, and dynamic balance in male college sprinters; however, in the absence of a no-intervention control group, these improvements cannot be directly attributed to the FST programme itself. The addition of BFR provided an additional benefit only for average power during the Wingate test.