Effect of ischemic preconditioning on repeated sprint ability in team sport athletes

This study investigated whether ischemic preconditioning (IPC) in a trained population affected repeated sprint performance. A secondary aim was to assess responses according to gender. Sixteen (nine females and seven males) well trained team sport athletes took part in a randomised crossover study design. Participants underwent an IPC and placebo treatment involving three periods of 5min occlusion applied unilaterally (3x5min occlusion to each leg) at either 220mmHg or 50mmHg. Each period of occlusion was followed by 5min reperfusion. Following treatment 5x6s maximal effort sprints were undertaken on a cycle ergometer against 7.5% body mass, each interspersed by 24s recovery. Measured parameters included peak power, total power, percentage decrement, post-exercise blood lactate and ratings of perceived exertion. Nor within subject main effect for IPC was observed, neither was there an interaction effect with gender. Effect sizes were trivial (ES<0.2) with the exception of a moderate (ES<1.2) change in post-exercise blood lactate in the female cohort (1.6 +/- 0.4mmol(-1) lower following IPC). Results suggest no benefit to team sport players in utilising IPC as a means of enhancing repeated sprint performance. A lower blood lactate response in female participants following IPC may suggest improved blood flow through vasodilation.