Introduction: Nowadays, it is known that mechanical loading is essential to achieve tendon adaptations. So,if tendons are stimulated in the right way, positive changes will take part on the tendinous tissues increasing its capability to stand mechanical loading.In the last decade, low load blood flow restriction training has developed as an alternative methodto high load training, as some investigations have found a similar increase in force and hypertrophy between both training methods. Although, the evidence about tendon adaptations leading from low load blood flow restriction training is still very limited.Aim: The present study aims to study tendon temporary responses leading immediately after a low load blood flow restriction training and compare those adaptations with those leading from high load strength training.Design: A randomized case-control clinical trial will be conducted.Sample: The measurement of the sample size was done with theG*Power 3.1.5 program and was based on the time-by-group interaction of a mixed variance analysis (ANOVA). With two groups and three measurement moments. The final sample size was constituted by 84 subjectsMethods:The 84 participants will be randomly allocated in two groups: a) Low load blood flow restriction training (n=42); b) high load strength training (n=42). The low load blood flow restriction training group will perform a strength training with an intensity equivalent to 30% 1RM with an occlusion pressure of 80% on the total restriction pressure assessed individually, whilst the other group will train with a load equivalent of 80% 1RM. Patellar tendon characteristics will be studied as morphometry and densitometry parameters and microcirculation pre, post immediate intervention and 24 hourspost intervention.
The main objective of this research project is to study the transient adaptations that occur in the tendon immediately after the object of training with low loads and blood flow restriction and to compare these adaptations with those derived from training with high loads, in order to thus helping to elucidate the complex existing framework regarding the effects of this training methodology on the tendon.