Intervention group
PROGRESSION
The subjects underwent a practice session 48 hours prior to the training. The first evaluation was performed before the 8-week training period, and the second evaluation was performed at the end of the training period. To account for potential circadian effects on performance, all measurements were performed at consistent times of day for each participant. Throughout the 8-week intervention period, both groups underwent training at identical frequencies, volumes, and intensities. To determine the maximum weight that could be lifted by the subjects, the 1 RM test was executed within the permissible range of joint motion. The participants lifted loads until their peak lifting capacity was achieved, and the 1 RM values for QF, H, and Leg Press were recorded.The sessions were conducted twice a week, with at least 48 hours between each session. The sessions commenced with a 10-min warm-up exercise on a stationary bike and continued with stretching exercises. The exercise prescription consisted of 3 sets of 10 repetitions with a 60 seconds rest between sets. The BFR device was continuously applied with pressure during the sessions, which lasted an average of 15 min. Leg Press, Leg Curl, and Quadriceps Extension machines were used for the exercises. Progression was achieved in the exercise protocol during the 4th week of the study by increasing the number of sets to 4 and the number of repetitions to 15. The sessions ended with a 10-min cool-down period of light-paced walking on the treadmill.