Standard V o 2 measures underestimate metabolic demand during blood flow-restricted exercise
Abstract
This study challenges the reliability of V̇o 2 as a standalone marker of metabolic demand during blood flow-restricted (BFR) exercise. Although V̇o 2 during BFR walking was initially lower, a delayed rise during and prolonged recovery following BFR resulted in a greater total oxygen cost and excess postexercise oxygen consumption (EPOC). We suggest a temporal shift of oxygen dynamics, reflecting altered timing of uptake and recovery. Total oxygen uptake should be considered with BFR exercise.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Cardiovascular and exercise physiology
Sports Performance and Training
Cardiovascular and Diving-Related Complications
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Journal of Applied Physiology
- Publisher
- American Physiological Society
- Volume
- 140
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 469–478
- Publication date
- 12 January 2026
- Language
- EN