Work

Remote ischemic preconditioning fails to enhance maximal accumulated oxygen deficit in well-trained college tennis players

Year: 2026

Type: article

Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial

Abstract: Background Tennis, characterized by intermittent high-intensity bursts, demands both aerobic and anaerobic energy pathways for optimal performance. Remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) has emerged as a potential method to enhance athletic outcomes. This study aimed to explore the impact of RIPC on anaerobic capacity, specifically the maximal accumulated oxygen deficit (MAOD), in well-trained college tennis players. Methods In a single-blinded, randomized, controlled crossover design, 16 participants (eight men and eight women; age: 20.9 ± 1.4 years; height: 1.73 ± 0.76 m; weight: 63.5 ± 8.2 kg; BMI: 21.2 ± 1.4 kg/m 2 ) completed supramaximal intensity tests across baseline, placebo, and RIPC conditions. RIPC involved alternating bilateral occlusion of 220 or 20 mmHg for 4 × 5 min applied to both arms. Subsequently, the subjects performed a supramaximal test on the treadmill at 110% VO 2max intensity until exhaustion. Results The results indicated that RIPC had no discernible effect on time to exhaustion compared to baseline or placebo conditions ( p > 0.05). Moreover, parameters including MAOD ALT (Alternative MAOD, derived from the fast component of excess post-exercise oxygen consumption and oxygen equivalent for blood lactate accumulation), lactic anaerobic capacity, alactic anaerobic capacity, and excess post-exercise oxygen uptake dynamics remained comparable across the three interventions ( p > 0.05). Notably, a strong correlation was observed between MAOD and MAOD ALT ( r = 0.739; p < 0.05). Conclusion In conclusion, this study provides evidence that remote ischemic preconditioning did not improve anaerobic capacity, as indicated by MAOD, among well-trained college tennis players. These findings emphasize the nuanced interplay of physiological factors in the context of RIPC and suggest that its impact on anaerobic capacity may be limited within this athletic cohort.

Source: PeerJ

DOI: 10.7717/peerj.20789

Authors: Xinshi Zhao, Yongji Yang, Yameng Wang

Institutions: North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power, East China Jiaotong University

Language: English

Topic: Cardiovascular and exercise physiology

Subfield: Complementary and alternative medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,395