Effects of Blood Flow Restriction Training on Physical Function, Muscle Adaptations, and Performance in Roller Skaters

This randomized controlled trial evaluates the effects of adding blood flow restriction training to regular roller skating training on neuromuscular function under non-fatigued and fatigued conditions, muscle morphology, body composition, physiological responses, lower-limb strength, and roller skating performance in competitive roller skaters. Thirty participants aged 18 to 25 years will be randomly assigned to either a blood flow restriction training group or a regular training control group. Both groups will complete the same standardized 10-week roller skating training program. The blood flow restriction training group will wear pressure cuffs individualized according to each participant's arterial occlusion pressure during selected training sessions three times per week, while the control group will complete the same training without blood flow restriction. Before and after the intervention, participants will complete standardized assessments of muscle morphology using musculoskeletal ultrasound, body composition using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and lower-limb strength using handheld dynamometry and one-repetition maximum tests. Physiological responses will be evaluated using blood lactate concentration and heart rate variability. Roller skating performance will be assessed using sprint, repeated-sprint, and endurance skating tests. Neuromuscular function, jump performance, and balance will also be assessed under both non-fatigued and fatigued conditions. Surface electromyography and force-platform data will be collected simultaneously during selected jump and single-leg balance tasks. The Y-Balance Test will be conducted separately without surface electromyography. The study aims to determine whether blood flow restriction training improves muscle and neuromuscular adaptations, body composition, strength, physiological responses, and roller skating performance, and whether it helps roller skaters maintain neuromuscular function, jump performance, an