The Acute Effects of Walking With Blood Flow Restriction on Learning of a Visuomotor Tracking Task

Abstract

We investigated the acute effect of Walking with Blood Flow Restriction (W-BFR) after practicing a Visuomotor Tracking Task (VTT) on retention and retrieval during motor learning. Additionally, we investigated the influence of BFR on mood states, pain levels, and perceived exertion. Ninety participants were allocated to three groups: WALKING (motor practice + walking), RESTRICTION (motor practice + W-BFR), and CONTROL (motor practice + rest). Participants practiced the VTT for one day, with pre-test, post-test, 24-h and 7-day retention tests. Exercise groups performed 5/2 minutes of walking at 5 km/h, interspersed by 1 rest minute. RESTRICTION received 160–200 mmHg pressure on the proximal thighs while walking. Motor performance assessment included mean time on target and the variability of performance. For exercise groups, post-exercise measures included mean and max Heart Rate, Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion, Pain - Visual Analog Scale, and, for all groups at the end of day 1, Profile of Mood States. The exercise groups demonstrated better 24-h retention than the CONTROL (p < .05). RESTRICTION reported higher perceived effort, maximum heart rate, pain, tension, and fatigue. We concluded that W-BFR does not influence the walking-induced effect on motor learning. Compared to walking alone, W-BFR increases cardiac workload, perceived effort, and negative mood states.