Effects of long-term functional training combined with blood flow restriction training on athletic performance and body composition in basketball athletes

Background This study examined the effects of a 24-week functional training (FT) and blood flow restriction combined with FT (BFR-FT) on athletic performance and body composition in athletes. Methods Twenty-six male basketball players were randomly assigned to either the experimental group (EG) or the control group (CG). The CG performed FT, while the EG performed BFR-FT, both for 24 weeks. Assessments were conducted at seven time points, every 4 weeks, measuring 1RM half-squat, 1RM squat, vertical jump, 30m sprint, agility, 17-return shuttle run, body weight, and limb circumference and skinfold thickness. Results (1) Significant time × group interactions were observed for 1RM half−squat and speed ( P 0.01). The EG showed superior speed (weeks 12, 20, P 0.01) and 1RM half−squat (week 8, P = 0.02; weeks 12–24, P 0.01). For 1RM squat and endurance, both interaction and time effects were significant ( P 0.05). For explosive power and agility, only time effects were significant ( P 0.01). (2) Significant interactions were found for body weight ( P = 0.04), thigh circumference ( P 0.01), and calf skinfold thickness ( P = 0.02), and the main effects of time were also significant ( P 0.01). For calf circumference and thigh skinfold thickness, only time effects were significant ( P 0.01).