| Abstrakt: |
Problem statement In Japan, KAATSU training has been extensively utilized by athletes, ordinary people, and older adults. This pneumatic band workout, involving controlled blood flow restriction, is gaining global recognition. Its rehabilitation and hypertrophic effects have been definitively proven. Its positive role in rehabilitation is supported by research demonstrating that it reduces symptoms in patients with metabolic syndrome. Owing to its high metabolic effect and the application of 20-40% of one-repetition maximum (1RM), KAATSU training also significantly impacts muscle mass gain. Approach and purpose This study investigated the effect of high-repetition training using KAATSU on strength endurance. We implemented a training protocol encompassing exercises at 20-25 percent of 1RM. We compared the performance differences between KAATSU users and those in traditional dumbbell-based strength and endurance training. Did KAATSU training lead to enhanced one-repetition maximum performance? Moreover, we investigated whether, in addition to the low intensity and high repetition rate, functional hypertrophy occurred among subjects employing KAATSU. The study enrolled ten male combat sports athletes into two groups (5 individuals per group). Both groups performed two large bilateral exercises: bench press and back squat. Results After the 6-week program, the results showed that KAATSU use had no significant effect on 1RM, with a 6% improvement at maximum. However, at the maximum number of repetitions at 40% of 1RM, the KAATSU group exhibited a 9% increase in horizontal pressure and a 32% improvement in squats. In contrast, the traditional volume-based group showed modest enhancements of 10% and 18%, respectively. The KAATSU group experienced functional hypertrophy during the program because their upper arm circumference increased by 1.2 cm, chest circumference by 3.7 cm, and thigh circumference by 2 cm after completing the training program. Conclusions It can be concluded that the KAATSU method did not significantly affect the value of 1RM when applied at 20-25%. However, it significantly improved strength and endurance levels, particularly in the lower body muscles. The results indicate that KAATSU-based training has a more significant effect on strength and endurance than conventional weight training using 1RM at 30-50%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
