Six weeks of high-load or low-load blood flow restriction resistance training increases isometric knee extensor strength by approximately 14% and 9%, respectively, in young, untrained adults, without altering motor unit firing rates in the vastus lateralis or vastus medialis, indicating that strength gains are attributable to muscular adaptations rather than increased neural drive.

In young adults who have not trained before, performing resistance exercises with restricted blood flow for six weeks leads to increases in knee strength, with higher loads producing greater gains. These strength improvements occur without changes in the electrical signals from nerves to muscles, suggesting the muscles themselves become stronger rather than the nervous system driving them harder.