Long-term effects of resistance exercise with and without vascular occlusion on TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-15 secretion in non-athletic women

Resistance training is associated with reduced risk of low-grade inflammation related diseases. This study aimed to consider the effect of two methods of resistance training with and without vascular occlusion on changes in some serum cytokines in young non-athlete women. Thirty non-athlete women (20 to 30 years of age) were randomly divided into three groups (n=10 in each): resistance training without vascular occlusion (traditional), resistance training with vascular occlusion, and a control group. Resistance training was conducted three sessions for 8 weeks. In the vascular occlusion group, prior to the main exercise, the proximal part of both thighs was closed with a rubber tourniquet and the resistance exercise was performed with an intensity of 20-30% 1-repetition maximum (1RM) until fatigue. In the group without vascular occlusion, the same exercise were performed with similar intensity (with 70-80% 1RM until fatigue). Serum interleukin (IL)-15, IL-6, and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) were measured by ELISA method. One-way ANOVA was employed to compare the changes in the studied variables. The results show that serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-a and IL-15 do not have a significant change in groups with and without obstruction (P>0.05). Numerous studies have evaluated the positive effects of vascular occlusion on muscle hypertrophy and strength during rehabilitation. According to the results of the present study, it seems that the use of vascular occlusion exercise has less effect on inflammatory or IL-15.