Biology of Sport

Abstract

1/2026 vol. 43
Original paper

Ischemic preconditioning combined with inter-set palm cooling enhances performance in strength-trained men during high-intensity resistance training: A randomized crossover trial

  1. Department of Leisure and Sports Management, Cheng Shiu University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
  2. Graduate Institute of Sports Pedagogy, University of Taipei, Taipei, Taiwan
  3. Center for Physical and Health Education, Si Wan College, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Biol Sport. 2026; 43: 139–147
Online publish date: 2025/08/13
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This study investigated the effects of ischemic preconditioning (IPC) on performance during highintensity resistance exercise (RE) sessions, as well as the additional effects of inter-set palm cooling (PC) and the potential underlying mechanisms. Twelve resistance-trained men participated in three RE sessions in a randomized order: (1) IPC followed by RE with inter-set PC (15°C for 2.5 minutes), (2) IPC followed by RE, (3) SHAM followed by RE. IPC involved four cycles of 5-minute ischemia/5-minute reperfusion at 220 mmHg on the upper arm, whereas SHAM involved 20 mmHg with a pneumatic cuff. The RE protocol included three sets to exhaustion, consisting of six exercises at 85% of one-repetition maximum. Multiple perceptual parameters were assessed during RE, and blood samples were obtained both before and after four cycles of ischemia/reperfusion as well as after RE. The results indicated that compared with SHAM, IPC significantly increased the total work volume (∆ = 2.6%); the total number of repetitions (∆ = 4.3%); the number of repetitions in specific exercises; and the levels of several arousal indicators, such as norepinephrine levels before RE and arousal level (assessed using the Felt Arousal Scale) during RE (p < 0.05). The IPC + PC combination further outperformed SHAM alone in most parameters (p < 0.05). However, fatigue indicators (rating of perceived exertion and lactate level) did not differ significantly across the protocols. In conclusion, this study suggest that IPC enhances high-intensity RE performance, potentially through increased arousal levels, with PC augmenting exercise performance by amplifying the arousal response.
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