Kinetic Responses to Acute Blood Flow Restriction Exposure in Young Physically Active Women During Isometric Mid-Thigh Pull

The application of blood flow restriction (BFR) during resistance exercise enhances muscular adaptations under low-load conditions. However, its acute effects on explosive neuromuscular performance, particularly on kinetic variables such as the rate of force development (RFD), impulse, and peak force remain poorly understood in women. Twenty-five participants underwent randomized sessions under three occlusion conditions (0%, 40%, and 80% limb occlusion pressure), followed by isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) assessments at five time points (pre-exercise; post-exercise; and 5, 10, and 15 min post-exercise). Peak force, impulse, and RFD were analyzed across early (0–50 ms), mid (51–150 ms), and late (151–250 ms) time intervals. BFR did not result in statistically significant alterations in RFD or isometric force production at any time or pressure. These findings indicate that acute BFR application, even when volitional fatigue is induced, does not substantially impair neuromuscular function in isometric settings. These findings indicate that acute exposure to BFR, even under fatiguing conditions, does not substantially impair isometric force production or explosive performance in young physically active women. These results support the task-specific and temporally dependent nature of neuromuscular responses to BFR, highlighting the need for population-specific approaches in BFR programming.