Franz Alexander et al. – This study investigated the ability of ischemic preconditioning (IPC) performed prior to eccentric exercise to protect against exercise–induced muscle damage (EIMD). In conclusion, IPC performed prior to eccentric exercise of the elbow flexors able to blunt EIMD and exercise–induced pain, while maintaining the contractile properties of the muscle.

Methods

• A total of 19 healthy men selected for this study were divided into 2 groups: eccentric (ECC; n=9) and eccentric proceeded by IPC group (IPC + ECC; n=10). Bilaterally IPC applied at the upper arms by a tourniquet (200 mmHg) immediately prior to the exercise. Creatine kinase (CK), arm circumference, subjective pain (VAS score), and radial displacement (Tensiomyography, Dm) were assessed before IPC, pre–exercise, post–exercise, 20 minutes–, 2 hours–, 24 hours–, 48 hours– and 72 hours post–exercise.

Results

• ECC group showed decrease in Dm during all post–exercise days but remained statistically unchanged in IPC + ECC. In ECC group CK changed from baseline at 48 hours and 72 hours post–exercise and CK was increased in ECC compared with IPC + ECC. ECC group showed significantly higher VAS at 24 to 72 hours post–exercise, when compared to IPC + ECC.