Effect Of Hand Grip Training On Blood Flow To Immobilized Forearm

PURPOSE To determine whether endurance and strength hand grip exercise during the upper limb immobilization preserves muscle endurance performance and peak blood velocity (PBV) to the muscles. METHODS Six healthy male volunteers were divided into two groups (Immobilization: IMM and IMM with Training: IMMTR). Non-dominant arm was immobilized with a cast for 3 weeks. Dynamic handgrip endurance test (one repetition per 1 sec. of 30% maximum voluntary contraction) was performed before and after the immobilization. The blood velocity was monitored by a Doppler ultrasound on the brachial artery during the endurance test. RESULTS For IMMTR, dynamic hand grip endurance performance was elongated by 27% (49 to 62 sec.) but not for IMM.PBV was increased by 39% (49.9 to 69.5 cm/sec.) after IMMTR and decreased by 26% (79.4 to 59.1 cm/sec) after IMM. CONCLUSIONS The training program during immobilization periods used in this study was effective in increasing muscle endurance and preventing the decrease in peak blood velocity.