The Unilateral Neuromuscular Effects of Cross Education Eccentric-Focused Isokinetic Strength Training With Blood Flow Restriction in Sedentary and Recreationally Active Males

Author

Bryan Mixumi, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Date of Award

12-1-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Exercise Science

First Advisor

Murat Karabulut

Second Advisor

Ulku Karabulut

Third Advisor

Samuel Buchanan

Abstract

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine if BFR unilateral training protocols can elicit the same or greater cross-education effect as observed with HIGH protocols.

RESULTS: Significant time main effects and trained vs. untrained interactions revealed both training groups improved in isometric and isokinetic strength, work and power across limbs (P < 0.05). EMG analyses showed significant increases in vastus lateralis activation, with limb-specific neural adaptations but no group differences (P < 0.05) suggesting potential cross-education influence in the lower musculature.

CONCLUSION: With lower workloads, the BFR training protocols produced improvements in isometrics and isokinetic strength, work, power, and EMG that were comparable to those of the HIGH group across the trained and untrained limbs. The magnitude and limb-specific patterns varied across isometric, isokinetic, and EMG variables, but the absence of condition main effects indicated that no protocol was superior.

Comments

Copyright 2025 Bryan Mixumi. All Rights Reserved. https://proquest.com/docview/3298652864

Recommended Citation

Mixumi, B. (2025). The Unilateral Neuromuscular Effects of Cross Education Eccentric-Focused Isokinetic Strength Training With Blood Flow Restriction in Sedentary and Recreationally Active Males [Master's thesis, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley]. ScholarWorks @ UTRGV. https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/etd/1834