Overview of neuromuscular adaptations of skeletal muscle to KAATSU Training

Abstract

Skeletal muscle adapts to a progressive overload, but the response can vary between different modes and intensities of exercise. Generally, a minimal threshold intensity of 65% of the one repetition maximum (1-RM) is needed to elicit muscle hypertrophy; however, recent studies have challenged this hypothesis and have provided evidence that low-intensity training (LIT) combined with vascular restriction (KAATSU) may also elicit increases in muscle size and strength. The physiological aspects of applying vascular restriction during exercise are not fully understood and may be explained by several factors. Examining the results of previous studies may help elucidate the factors responsible for the adaptations associated with vascular restriction in humans. Therefore, the objectives of this review are to summarize current knowledge regarding the physiological adaptations of skeletal muscle after low-intensity exercise combined with vascular restriction, the different training protocols used to elicit adaptations, and suggested areas for future research.

Effect of KAATSU training on a patient with benign fasciculation syndrome

“…The present patient exhibited 26% and 44% enhancements in right and left knee extension strength, respectively, after a 3-month exercise program. These values were higher than those reported by Hakkinen et al(2000) or Brochu et al(2002) and comparable to those reported from studies that applied KAATSU exercise to healthy subjects or athletes (Karabulut et al, 2007;Wernbom et al, 2008). These studies include one reported by Wernbom et al(2008), which reviewed the effects of high-intensity lower extremity resistance exercise and low-intensity lower extremity resistance exercise with KAATSU on quadriceps femoris myopachynsis of healthy subjects.…”

“…For treatment, exercise therapy may be performed, but no effective rehabilitation program has been established. KAATSU exercise, a novel, attention-drawing method of low-intensity resistance exercise performed under the condition of restricting muscle blood flow (Takarada et al, 2000b;Abe et al, 2006;Karabulut et al, 2007;Wernbom et al, 2008), causes minimal strain on the musculoskeletal and cardiovascular systems compared to high-intensity resistance exercise and thus is increasingly applied to rehabilitation programs for patients with various disorders. Meanwhile, its effect on BFS patients has yet to be examined.…”

The effects of low-intensity resistance training with vascular restriction on leg muscle strength in older men

“…However, the new technique used in the current study utilizing lower loads and lower training volumes compared to traditional resistance training resulted in similar changes in lower body skeletal muscle strength as the traditional high-intensity resistance training program. These changes in skeletal muscle strength could be attributed to neuromuscular adaptations such as improved muscle and/or nerve coordination and the recruitment of more fast-twitch fibers and their higher threshold motor units (Karabulut et al 2007). Moritani et al (1992) reported that the size principle might not apply to contractions with blood flow restriction by showing significant increases in motor unit firing rate and motor unit spike amplitude during contractions at low intensity (20% 1-RM) in combination with blood flow restriction.…”

Acute resistance exercise with blood flow restriction effects on heart rate, double product, oxygen saturation and perceived exertion

“…On the other hand, low‐intensity RE (20–50% 1RM) combined with the blood flow restriction techniques (BFR) or KAATSU training has been used both for cardiovascular maintenance and/or for rehabilitation (Takano et al ., ) and also seems to promote significant strength and hypertrophy gains (Karabulut et al ., ; Pope et al ., ). Research has shown that strength and muscle mass gains with the use of low‐intensity RE with BFR are as effective as higher intensity training (≥80% of 1RM) (Karabulut et al ., ; Loenneke & Pujol, ; Sumide et al ., ).…”