Muscle size and arterial stiffness after blood flow‐restricted low‐intensity resistance training in older adults

Abstract

Previous studies have shown that blood flow-restricted low-intensity resistance training (BFR-RT) causes muscle hypertrophy while maintaining arterial function in young adults. We examined the effects of BFR-RT on muscle size and arterial stiffness in older adults. Healthy subjects (ages 61-84 years) were divided into BFR-RT (n = 9) or non-training control (CON; n = 10) groups. The BFR-RT group performed 20% and 30%, respectively, of one-repetition maximal (1-RM) knee extension and leg press exercises, 2 days/wk for 12 weeks. The BFR-RT group wore elastic cuffs (120-270 mmHg) on both legs during training. Magnetic resonance imaging-measured muscle cross-sectional area (CSA), 1-RM strength, chair stand (CS) test, and cardio-ankle vascular index testing (CAVI), an index of arterial stiffness, were measured before and 3-5 days after the final training session. Muscle CSA of the quadriceps (8.0%), adductors (6.5%), and gluteus maximus (4.4%), leg extension and leg press 1-RM strength (26.1% and 33.4%), and CS performance (18.3%) improved (P < 0.05) in the BFR-RT group, but not in the CON group. In CAVI testing, there were no changes in both two groups. In conclusion, BFR-RT improves muscle CSA as well as maximal muscle strength, but does not negatively affect arterial stiffness or humeral coagulation factors in older adults.

Use and safety of KAATSU training: Results of a national survey in 2016

“…Unlike the hemostasis achieved by the use of a tourniquet which completely stops both the artery and vein, the KAATSU training is performed by moderate blood flow restriction using a specially designed belt; it is carried out while pooling the blood in the upper or the lower limb. Previous studies have shown that KAATSU training with various types of load resistances (such as weight, machine, and elastic band) is effective in rehabilitation medicine and health enhancement (Abe et al, 2006;Yasuda et al, 2014;Yasuda et al, 2015). At present, various subjects such as athletes, healthy persons, and elderly persons have performed KAATSU training, and KAATSU training is being widely used all over the world.…”

KAATSU training as a new effective exercise therapy in a case of femoral medial condyle osteonecrosis

“…Although the mechanisms for this pain mitigation by KAATSU training remains unknown, muscle strengthening and building by KAATSU training 3,4) might lessen the physical load on the patient's knees. KAATSU training may be described as a method of rehabilitation suitable for patients with various diseases and for this aged society [5][6][7][8][9] . The available means of applying training burdens include load-free exercises, elastic bands 10) , dumbbells, walking 11) , and ergometers 12) ; KAATSU training is considered quite a useful method of rehabilitation for patients who do not wish to undergo heavy physical loads.…”

“…KAATSU training 3,4) is expected to be effective for increasing muscle volume and muscle power, even with low loads by training under blood flow restriction. KAATSU training represents a method of rehabilitation suitable for patients with various diseases and this aged society [5][6][7][8][9] . The exercises include load-free exercises, elastic bands 10) , and free weights, as well as walking 11) and ergometers 12) .…”

Walking With Blood Flow Restriction Improves the Dynamic Strength of Women With Osteoporosis

“…Some studies have already observed the positive effects of RT with BFR on strength in the elderly, 20,21 although no published studies have observed these effects in subjects with osteoporosis. Accordingly, Yasuda et al 20 observed a significant increase of 26.1% in the quadriceps muscle strength in the elderly after 24 low-intensity resistance training sessions (20% 1RM) combined with BFR.…”