Simpson, Charles WCMoore, Katelyn SSmith, HoaniCoskun, BetulHamlin, Michael2025-02-112025-01-302025-01-302025-01-180264-0414U3Z3Y (isidoc)39884956 (pubmed)https://hdl.handle.net/10182/18090To determine muscle oxygenation with continuous blood flow restriction (BFR) training in high load (HL), 80% one-repetition maximum (1RM) and low load (LL), 30% 1RM squat exercises. In week-2 of a 4-week resistance training programme as part of their 3-set training routine, two groups of athletes (n = 4 each), one performing HL training with low cuff pressure (20% arterial occlusion pressure (AOP)), the other LL training with high cuff pressure (60% AOP) had muscle oxygenation assessed with near-infrared spectrophotometry (NIRS), arterial oxygen saturation (SPO₂), heart rate (HR), barbell velocity and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) during barbell back squats (BBS). Changes in the vastus lateralis oximetry were compared to pre- and post-training squat (1RM). Across athletes, there were significant associations between two pre-set-3 exercise variables and post-training 1RM, Tissue Saturation Index (TSI) (R² = 0.92, p < 0.0002) and HHb concentration (R² = 0.79, p < 0.003). Generalised regression models indicated that TSI % and HHb concentrations before and after set 3 timepoints were significant predictors of post-training 1RM in the LL group (R² = 0.99, BIC = −24.9). Well-tolerated continuous LL-BFR training provided greater increases in strength than HL-BFR in athletes.10 pagesPrint-Electronicen© 2025 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Groupcontinuous-cuffblood flow restriction trainingNIRSoximetryJournal Article10.1080/02640414.2025.24578591466-447XANZSRC::420799 Sports science and exercise not elsewhere classifiedANZSRC::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