Keyword: accumulated oxygen deficit, anaerobic exercise, blood lactate kinetics, EPOC, ergogenic aid https://mc06.manuscriptcentral.com/apnm-pubs Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism Page 1 of 29 https://mc06.manuscriptcentral.com/apnm-pubs Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism ABSTRACT Purpose: It has been demonstrated that ischemic preconditioning (IPC) improves endurance performance. However, the potential benefits during anaerobic events and the mechanism(s) underlying

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... benefits remain unclear. Methods: Fifteen recreational cyclists were assessed in order to evaluate the effects of IPC of the upper thighs on anaerobic performance, skeletal muscle activation and metabolic responses during a 60-s sprint performance. After an incremental test and a familiarization visit, subjects were randomly submitted in visits three and four to a performance protocol preceded by intermittent bilateral cuff inflation [4 × (5 min of blood flow restriction + 5-min reperfusion)] at either 220 mm Hg (IPC) or 20 mm Hg (control). To increase data reliability, each intervention was replicated, which was also in a random manner. In addition to the mean power output, the pulmonary Vȩ O 2 , blood lactate kinetics, and quadriceps electromyograms (EMG) were analyzed during performance and throughout 45-min of passive recovery. Results: After IPC, performance was improved by 2.1% compared to control (95% confidence intervals of 0.8 to 3.3%, P = 0.001), followed by increases in (i) the accumulated oxygen deficit, (ii) the amplitude of blood lactate kinetics, (iii) the total amount of oxygen consumed during recovery, and (iv) the overall EMG amplitude (P < 0.05). In addition, the ratio between EMG and power output was higher during the final third of performance after IPC (P < 0.05). Conclusions: These results suggest an increased skeletal muscle activation and a higher anaerobic contribution as the ultimate responses of IPC on short-term exercise performance.