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Saudi Journal of Biomedical Research (SJBR)
Volume-10 | Issue-11 | 413-418
Original Research Article
Proximal and Distal Muscle Responses to Blood Flow Restriction: Increases in Inter-Peak Muscle Activation Time During Sled-Pushing Tasks
Martín G. Rosario
Published : Nov. 24, 2025
DOI : https://doi.org/10.36348/sjbr.2025.v10i11.004
Abstract
Blood flow restriction (BFR) training is increasingly applied in rehabilitation and performance settings as a low-load alternative to traditional resistance exercise. BFR neuromuscular activation during dynamic, functional activities is less understood, particularly in an acute scenario. Purpose: To investigate how inter-peak muscle activation time (IPMAT) of lower limb muscles (proximal and distal to the cuff) adapted to blood flow restriction while pushing a sled (constant resistance acquired with continuous speed) at two consistent walking speeds. Methods: Sixty-two healthy adults (8 men, 54 women; mean age = 23.0 ± 3.0 years) participated. Anthropometrics, vital signs, and limb dominance were documented. Surface electromyography (EMG; Delsys Trigno system) recorded activity of the gluteus maximus, medial gastrocnemius, and tibialis anterior of the dominant leg. Participants pushed an XPO Trainer sled (85 lb total load) over 40 ft at a slow walk (80 bpm) and a fast walk (140 bpm). Three randomized trials were performed under unrestricted and BFR conditions. BFR was applied with Delfi’s Personalized Tourniquet System at 80% limb occlusion pressure. The primary outcome was BFR versus non-BFR IPMAT for all muscles, analyzed using multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA). Results: BFR significantly increased IPMAT in the gluteus maximus (slow walk: 1.0672 ± 0.1086 s vs. non-BFR 0.9524 ± 0.1228 s, p < .001; fast walk: 1.1061 ± 0.0955 s vs. non-BFR 0.9428 ± 0.1150 s, p < .001) and medial gastrocnemius (slow walk: 1.1076 ± 0.0798 s vs. 0.8040 ± 0.0969 s, p < .001; fast walk: 1.1435 ± 0.1064 s vs. 1.0719 ± 0.1292 s, p = .008). No significant differences were observed in the tibialis anterior (p > .05). Conclusions: During the blood-constriction settings, IPMAT adapts the primary pushing muscles (gastrocnemius and gluteus muscles), regardless of occlusion cuff location (proximal versus distal), suggesting delayed recovery between activation bursts due to increased neuromuscular demand under restricted blood flow. This adaptation may represent compensatory strategies to sustain task performance under fatigue or metabolic stress. Clinical Relevance: BFR sled pushing provides a low-load alternative that increases neuromuscular variation, increases fatigue and compensatory demands, and supports endurance. Clinicians should consider these timing adaptations when prescribing BFR to individuals with lower extremity weakness, balance deficits, or gait impairments.
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