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Abstract

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 4: Issue 1, Article 14, 2023. Ischemic preconditioning (IPC), in exercise science, is the practice of repeatedly creating an ischemic event within a limb before exercise in an effort to improve athletic ability. The athletic aid, currently under review for its applicability to aerobic sports, has garnered conflicting results in the last decade of study. This research investigated the effects of IPC over distances of 250 and 500 yards while imposing commonly suggested methodologies. Sixteen college-aged swimmers, either recreational or competitive, were given IPC treatment with individualized limb occlusion pressure (ILOP) accompanied by a sham protocol. Participants were requested to give maximal effort during the trials, and pain and exertion scores were collected at multiple points. Results showed that the distance of 250 yards (p-value = 0.02) was improved by the IPC treatment, but the distance of 500 yards was not (p-value = 0.53). There was no significant variation in the visual analog scale (VAS) or rating of perceived exertion (RPE) for either distance. Measurement of ILOP found 25% of participants needed higher pressure than standardized pressure some studies utilize and 19% required pressure 40 mmHg below the standard. It was concluded that IPC may have a short period of benefit corresponding to the improvement seen in the 250 yard swim and that ILOP should be used over a standard pressure.

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