Inter-individual variability in pain perception and sensitivity responses to low-load exercise with an absolute or relative blood flow restriction pressure

Authors

• Yujiro Yamada, University of Mississippi
• Anna Kang, University of Mississippi
• William B. Hammert, University of Mississippi
• Robert W. Sallberg, University of Mississippi
• Ryo Kataoka, The University of Southern Mississippi
• Emily E. Metcalf, University of Mississippi
• Jeremy P. Loenneke, University of MississippiFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2026

Abstract

Our aim was to determine whether pain and hypoalgesic responses to low-load resistance exercise with two different (absolute vs. relative) pressure methods of blood flow restriction (LL-BFR) show true inter-individual variability. Eighty-two healthy adults [21 (3) years] completed two randomized cycles of LL-BFR and time-matched seated rest (control). Participants were randomly assigned to perform unilateral knee extension at either absolute pressure (100 mmHg; n = 42) or relative (80% of arterial occlusion pressure; n = 40), with repetitions prescribed as 70% of their maximal repetition capacity. Thigh pain, upper- and lower-body pressure pain threshold (PPT) were measured pre- and post-condition. Across the total sample, LL-BFR increased thigh pain and lower body PPT versus control (4.13 AU and 0.27 kg/cm²), with evidence of significant inter-individual variability [Participant-by-Treatment interaction: 1.24 (1.1, 1.4) AU and 0.23 (0.11, 0.32) kg/cm²]. Responses were consistent across cycles for thigh pain [r = 0.82 (0.75, 0.87)] but not lower body PPT [r = 0.16 (−0.02, 0.33)]. Adding a Treatment-by-Group interaction in the model did not numerically impact the inter-individual variability. Our data suggests that individuals perceive pain from blood flow restricted exercise differently, and the inter-individual variability appears regardless of pressure application method.

Publication Title

Journal of Sports Sciences

Volume

44

Issue

12

First Page

1628

Last Page

1640

Recommended Citation

Yamada, Y., Kang, A., Hammert, W., Sallberg, R., Kataoka, R., Metcalf, E., Loenneke, J. (2026). Inter-individual variability in pain perception and sensitivity responses to low-load exercise with an absolute or relative blood flow restriction pressure. Journal of Sports Sciences, 44(12), 1628-1640.
Available at: https://aquila.usm.edu/fac_pubs/22139