Comparison of the effect of 8 weeks of resistance training with and without blood flow restriction on hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1a), vascular endothelial growth factor, nitric oxide and endotelin-1 in men with prehypertension.

Comparison of the effect of 8 weeks of resistance training with and without blood flow restriction on hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1a), vascular endothelial growth factor, nitric oxide and endotelin-1 in men with prehypertension.

A total of 36 men (age=30-45 years) will voluntarily participate in this quasi-experimental research with pretest-posttest control group design.

The subjects are randomly assigned into three groups: high intensity resistance training without blood flow restriction group, low intensity resistance training with blood flow restriction group, and low intensity resistance training without blood flow restriction group (control group). The exercises are performed for 8 weeks, 3 sessions per week, in Ilam City. Before training and after training program, blood samples are taken from all subjects and blood pressure measurements will be performed.

The research inclusion criteria are men with prehypertension, being physically and mentally healthy, having no history of regular sport activity during the previous two years, and giving informed personal consent to participate in the study. The research exclusion criteria are: Having cardiovascular, oncological, hormonal, and any acute or chronic diseases, being addicted to drugs and cigarettes, and having medication intake.

1. High intensity resistance training without blood flow restriction group, 2. Low intensity resistance training with blood flow restriction group, 3. Low intensity resistance training without blood flow restriction group (control).

Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1a)؛ vascular endothelial growth factor؛ nitric oxide؛ endotelin-1.

A simple randomization method is used in this study. Randomization is run using random number tables. A table of random digits is a set of numbers that have been generated fully randomly without any pattern or specified order, and tabulated. First, an identifying number is assigned to each subject. This way, each person is identified by a number from 00 to 35. The researcher then randomly divides these numbers between three groups: intervention and control groups using a random digits table as follows. Upon the attendance of subjects, the researcher starts to read the numbers of the table. The subjects are assigned to the groups as follows: The first read identification number between 00 and 35 is assigned to the first intervention group (obstructive training group), the second number to the second intervention group (without obstructive training group), and the third number to the control group. This number assignment continues until 12 subjects are assigned to each group.