Smith, HoaniBird, Stephen PCoskun, BetulOlsen, Peter DKavanagh, ThomasHamlin, Michael2025-02-092025-01-2520250264-041439862110 (pubmed)https://hdl.handle.net/10182/18068This study investigates the effectiveness of blood flow restriction (BFR) training in maintaining athletic performance during a taper phase in basketball players. The taper phase aims to reduce external load while maintaining training intensity. Seventeen experienced basketball players were randomised into two groups: a placebo group (n = 8, 22.0 ± 2.1 years, mean ± SD) and BFR group (n = 9, 21.1 ± 1.5 years). The training schedule included strength trainings, team trainings, individual skill sessions and competitive games. During the 4-week taper period, lifting volume was reduced while either maintaining (placebo) or reducing (BFR) lifting load. The BFR group lifted with 60% arterial occlusion pressure at 25–30% of their 1RM, whereas the placebo group trained at 80% of their 1RM with BFR cuffs inflated to only 20%. Compared to the placebo group, BFR participants improved 5 m (−1.4 ± 1.5% mean ± 95% CI p = 0.03) and 10 m (−1.1 ± 0.5%, p = <0.01) sprint performance along with barbell back squat (9.6 ± 8.0%, p = 0.013) and counter-movement jump (1.1 ± 0.8%, p = 0.0035). BFR during the taper phase enabled a reduction in lifting load with no reduction in subsequent performance measures.13 pagesPrint-Electronicen© 2025 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.blood flow restrictionresistance trainingtaperteam athletesJournal Article10.1080/02640414.2025.24547121466-447XANZSRC::350405 Sport and leisure managementANZSRC::420702 Exercise physiologyANZSRC::3202 Clinical sciencesANZSRC::4207 Sports science and exerciseANZSRC::5201 Applied and developmental psychologyhttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives