Effect of low-intensity blood flow restriction combined with high-intensity resistance training on lower limb strength and stroke effect of table tennis players

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effects of different strength training protocols on lower limb strength and stroke effect in table tennis players. A single-blind randomized controlled trial (RCT) design was employed. A total of 30 table tennis players were recruited and randomly assigned into three groups: the low-intensity blood flow restriction training (LI-BFRT) group, high-intensity resistance training (HI-RT) group, and combined training (CB-RT) group. All participants completed an 8-week strength training intervention with three sessions per week. Key indicators including knee peak torque, squat jump (SJ) height, countermovement jump (CMJ) height, peak rate of force development (PRFD), and stroke effect were measured before and after the intervention. No significant differences in all baseline indicators were observed among the three groups (p > 0.05). After the intervention, the CB-RT group exhibited extremely significant improvements in knee flexion and extension peak torques, SJ and CMJ heights, PRFD, and stroke effect (p < 0.01). In the LI-BFRT group, left knee extension PT was extremely significantly improved (p < 0.01); Meanwhile SJ height, PRFD, and forehand topspin loop effect were all significantly enhanced (p < 0.05). In the HI-RT group, left knee extension PT was extremely significantly increased (p < 0.01); Meanwhile, left knee flexion PT, right knee flexion and extension peak torques, CMJ height, PRFD, and forehand backspin loop effect were all significantly improved (p < 0.05). The results indicate that compared with single LI-BFRT or HI-RT, CB-RT exhibited a greater improvement trend in lower limb strength and stroke effect among table tennis players.