Restricted Blood Flow versus Resisted Training in Elderly Women with Sarcopenia

Abstract

Background: A decrease in muscle mass, muscle strength, and muscle function is a hallmark of sarcopenia. The best training method for  treating and preventing sarcopenia is resistance training (RT). Traditional high -load resistance training (CRT), which is recommended by  the American College of Sports Medicine is difficult for older people with sarcopenia. Low-load RT with blood flow restriction (LRT-BFR), a  novel training approach, has the potential to increase muscle development and strength similarly to CRT but with less effort.

Objective:  This study aimed to determine which type of exercises (high load resisted exercises or LRT-BFR) obtaining the best improvement in  elderly patients with sarcopenia.

Subjects and methods: A total of forty older women (65–75 years old) diagnosed with sarcopenia  through medical or radiological means were randomly assigned to one of two matched groups: The study group (I) received low load RT combined with restricted blood flow training (RBF), while the study group (II) received high load resistance exercise, for 18 sessions every  other day, each session for 20 min for each group. All patients were evaluated with one-repetition maximum strength [1RM] test, SARC-F  questionnaire and six-minute walk test pre and post-treatment.

Results: A statistically significant difference was seen between the two  groups, with a p-value of 0.001. This suggested that patients in study group I reported a greater improvement in muscle power compared  to those in study group II.

Conclusion: This study showed that six weeks of low load RT combined with restricted blood flow  training (RBF) revealed to be an effective method for treating sarcopenia in older female patients.