Low-intensity endurance exercise with blood flow restriction (KAATSU) is under consideration for use in cardiac rehabilitation. However, the physiological responses to such exercise have not yet been fully characterized. In an initial effort in healthy males (n = 11, age: 26.3±4.6 y), we compared the physiological responses to low-intensity endurance exercise with and without a thigh KAATSU. Participants performed maximal graded exercise testing using a cycle ergometer with or without KAATSU. We examined responses to cycling exercise at ventilatory threshold (VT) in heart rate (HR), oxygen consumption (VO2), dyspnea, ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), blood pressure (BP), and rectus femoris activation. Participants reached VT at a lower mechanical load, HR, VO2, dyspnea, and double product (HR×systolic BP) with KAATSU vs. no-KAATSU. At VT, RPE, and rectus femoris activity did not differ between the two conditions. These results suggest that KAATSU reduced exercise intensity to reach VT and the physiological responses to exercise at VT without changes in knee extensor muscle activation. Results from this pilot study in healthy males suggest that KAATSU aerobic exercise at VT intensity has the potential to be an effective and low-burden adjuvant to cycling in cardiac rehabilitation.
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