The Human Physiology laboratory at the University of Toronto is currently recruiting upper body trained athletes for a research study investigating the effects of a blood flow restriction technique known as ischemic preconditioning (IPC) on short duration, all-out arm cycle exercise performance. IPC is a non-invasive procedure involving temporarily restricting blood flow to the limbs with the use of specialized blood pressure cuffs before starting to exercise. This research will take place at the Human Physiology laboratory located at 55 Harbord Street (Room: BN60).
Who can participate?
1. Athletes training for and competing in a sport that requires explosive power generated by the arms (paddling, swimming, rowing, etc.)
2. At least 18 years old
3. Non-smokers
4. Received two doses of a Health Canada approved COVID-19 vaccine
5. Have not experienced acute infection in 2 weeks preceding participation in study (e.g., cold, flu, COVID-19, etc.)
6. No history of chronic disease or injury impairing your ability to exercise
7. No history of blood pressure disorder
8. Not pregnant, or planning to become pregnant during the participation in the study
Participants will be required to come to the Human Physiology Laboratory on 4 separate days with a minimum of 2 days and a maximum of 10 days between trials.
Day 1: Familiarization and arm-exercise VO2max test: ~2 hours
Day 2: Control trial: 45 second arm cycling test: ~1.5 hours
Day 3: Experimental trial 1: 45 second arm cycling test + IPC: ~2 hours
Day 4: Experimental trial 2: 45 second arm cycling test + IPC: ~2 hours
Participants will be compensated $20 per session. If you are interested, please contact Liam O’Brien at liamt.obrien@mail.utoronto.ca