Low-Intensity Resistance Training with Moderate Blood Flow Restriction Appears Safe and Increases Skeletal Muscle Strength and Size in Cardiovascular Surgery Patients: A Pilot Study

We examined the safety and the effects of low-intensity resistance training (RT) with moderate blood flow restriction (KAATSU RT) on muscle strength and size in patients early after cardiac surgery. Cardiac patients (age 69.6 ± 12.6 years, n = 21, M = 18) were randomly assigned to the control (n = 10) and the KAATSU RT group (n = 11). All patients had received a standard aerobic cardiac rehabilitation program. The KAATSU RT group additionally executed low-intensity leg extension and leg press exercises with moderate blood flow restriction twice a week for 3 months. RT-intensity and volume were increased gradually. We evaluated the anterior mid-thigh thickness (MTH), skeletal muscle mass index (SMI), handgrip strength, knee extensor strength, and walking speed at baseline, 5–7 days after cardiac surgery, and after 3 months. A physician monitored the electrocardiogram, rate of perceived exertion, and the color of the lower limbs during KAATSU RT. Creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and D-dimer were measured at baseline and after 3 months. There were no side effects during KAATSU RT. CPK and D-dimer were normal after 3 months. MTH, SMI, walking speed, and knee extensor strength increased after 3 months with KAATSU RT compared with baseline. Relatively low vs. high physical functioning patients tended to increase physical function more after 3 months with KAATSU RT. Low-intensity KAATSU RT as an adjuvant to standard cardiac rehabilitation can safely increase skeletal muscle strength and size in cardiovascular surgery patients.

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Low-intensity resistance training with moderate blood flow restriction appears safe and increases skeletal muscle strength and size in cardiovascular surgery patients: a pilot study

http://isrctn.com/ ◽

10.1186/isrctn11180246 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Toshiaki Nakajima

Keyword(s):

Skeletal Muscle ◽

Blood Flow ◽

Pilot Study ◽

Resistance Training ◽

Muscle Strength ◽

Cardiovascular Surgery ◽

Blood Flow Restriction ◽

Flow Restriction ◽

Low Intensity ◽

Skeletal Muscle Strength

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Low-intensity Resistance Exercise with Blood Flow Restriction for Improving the Skeletal Muscle

The Official Journal of the Korean Academy of Kinesiology ◽

10.15758/jkak.2012.14.3.37 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 14 (3) ◽

pp. 37-48

Author(s):

서동일 ◽

장혁기 ◽

소위영

Keyword(s):

Skeletal Muscle ◽

Blood Flow ◽

Resistance Exercise ◽

Blood Flow Restriction ◽

Flow Restriction ◽

Low Intensity

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Early phase adaptations in muscle strength and hypertrophy as a result of low-intensity blood flow restriction resistance training

European Journal of Applied Physiology ◽

10.1007/s00421-018-3918-8 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 118 (9) ◽

pp. 1831-1843 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Ethan C. Hill ◽

Terry J. Housh ◽

Joshua L. Keller ◽

Cory M. Smith ◽

Richard J. Schmidt ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Blood Flow ◽

Resistance Training ◽

Muscle Strength ◽

Early Phase ◽

Blood Flow Restriction ◽

Flow Restriction ◽

Low Intensity

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The effects of resistance training with blood flow restriction on muscle strength, muscle hypertrophy and functionality in patients with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis: A systematic review with meta-analysis

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0259574 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (11) ◽

pp. e0259574

Author(s):

Leonardo Peterson dos Santos ◽

Rafaela Cavalheiro do Espírito Santo ◽

Thiago Rozales Ramis ◽

Juliana Katarina Schoer Portes ◽

Rafael Mendonça da Silva Chakr ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Blood Flow ◽

Resistance Training ◽

Muscle Strength ◽

Muscle Mass ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Blood Flow Restriction ◽

Flow Restriction ◽

Low Intensity

Introduction Rheumatoid arthritis(RA) and osteoarthritis(OA) patients showed systemic manifestations that may lead to a reduction in muscle strength, muscle mass and, consequently, to a reduction in functionality. On the other hand, moderate intensity resistance training(MIRT) and high intensity resistance training(HIRT) are able to improve muscle strength and muscle mass in RA and OA without affecting the disease course. However, due to the articular manifestations caused by these diseases, these patients may present intolerance to MIRT or HIRT. Thus, the low intensity resistance training combined with blood flow restriction(LIRTBFR) may be a new training strategy for these populations. Objective To perform a systematic review with meta-analysis to verify the effects of LIRTBFR on muscle strength, muscle mass and functionality in RA and OA patients. Materials and methods A systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials(RCTs), published in English, between 1957–2021, was conducted using MEDLINE(PubMed), Embase and Cochrane Library. The methodological quality was assessed using Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale. The risk of bias was assessed using RoB2.0. Mean difference(MD) or standardized mean difference(SMD) and 95% confidence intervals(CI) were pooled using a random-effects model. A P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Five RCTs were included. We found no significant differences in the effects between LIRTBFR, MIRT and HIRT on muscle strength, which was assessed by tests of quadriceps strength(SMD = -0.01[-0.57, 0.54], P = 0.96; I² = 58%) and functionality measured by tests with patterns similar to walking(SMD = -0.04[-0.39, 0.31], P = 0.82; I² = 0%). Compared to HIRT, muscle mass gain after LIRTBFR was reported to be similar. When comparing LIRTBFR with low intensity resistance training without blood flow restriction(LIRT), the effect LIRTBFR was reported to be higher on muscle strength, which was evaluated by the knee extension test. Conclusion LIRTBFR appears to be a promising strategy for gains in muscle strength, muscle mass and functionality in a predominant sample of RA and OA women.

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