Enhancing strength and postocclusive calf blood flow in older people with training with blood-flow restriction

J Aging Phys Act. 2011 Jul;19(3):201-13. doi: 10.1123/japa.19.3.201.

Abstract

The response of calf-muscle strength, resting blood flow, and postocclusive blood flow (PObf) were investigated after 4 wk of low-load resistance training (LLRT) with and without blood-flow restriction in a matched-leg design. Ten untrained older individuals age 62-73 yr performed unilateral plantar-flexion LLRT at 25% 1-repetition maximum (1RM). One limb was trained with normal blood flow and the other had blood flow restricted using a pressure cuff above the knee. 1RM, isometric maximal voluntary contraction, and isokinetic strength at 0.52 rad/s increased (p < .05) more after LLRT with blood-flow restriction than with normal blood flow. Peak PObf increased (p < .05) after LLRT with blood-flow restriction, compared with no change after LLRT with normal blood flow. These results suggest that 4 wk of LLRT with blood-flow restriction may be beneficial to older individuals to improve strength and blood-flow parameters.

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Physiological
  • Aged
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Isometric Contraction
  • Lower Extremity* / blood supply
  • Lower Extremity* / physiopathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Muscle Strength*
  • Muscle, Skeletal / physiopathology
  • Physical Endurance
  • Regional Blood Flow*
  • Reperfusion*
  • Resistance Training* / methods
  • Resistance Training* / standards
  • Restraint, Physical / adverse effects