Ischemic Preconditioning: Implications Associated with Endurance, Power, and Rate of Fatigue

Introduction: In recent studies, ischemic preconditioning (IPC) has been shown to have a positive effect on endurance, power and reduce fatigue rate. The purpose of this study was to examine whether IPC improves endurance and power output, while decreasing the rate of fatigue in collegiate athletically fit participants. Methods: In a double blind crossover study, seven healthy college students (57% male) received IPC (200 mmHg) or a placebo (40 mmHg) during week 1. After the treatment the participants performed a VO2max and Wingate test. During week 2, each participant received the opposite treatment from week 1 and the same tests were performed. Age, height, weight, blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen saturation were also assessed at baseline. Statistical analysis: A t-test (p<0.05) using SPSS version 23 was used. Results: No significant results were found between variables. VO2max and IPC (M±SD=39.2 ± 8.4mL·kg·min) and placebo (M±SD =38.2 ± 13.3mL·kg·min) groups (t (6) = .381, p > 0.05). Peak power and IPC (M±SD =92.3 ± 12.1%) and placebo (M±SD =89.9 ± 13.3%) groups (t (6) = .416, p > 0.05). Power drop and IPC (M±SD =92.3 ± 12.1%) and placebo (M±SD =89.9 ± 13.3%) groups (t (6) = .416, p > 0.05). Rate of fatigue and IPC (M±SD =.426 ± .13%W·sec·kg) and placebo (M±SD =.412 ± .12W·sec·kg) groups (t (6) = .64, p > 0.05). Conclusions: Although the findings from the present study do not equate to significance, further research is needed to correct the limitations of this study and to assess further implications of IPC.