Effect of 16 weeks of resistance exercise and detraining comparing two methods of blood flow restriction in muscle strength of healthy older women: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to compare the effect of 16 weeks of resistance training using different occlusion pressures, followed by 6 weeks of detraining on the muscular strength levels of older women.

METHODS

This randomized-controlled trial included 56 recreationally active women (68.8 ± 5.09 years), randomized into 5 groups: 1) Low-intensity with blood flow restriction "High" (LI + BFR_H): with higher occlusion pressure, 2) Low-intensity with blood flow restriction "Low" (LI + BFR_L): with lower occlusion pressure, 3) High-intensity (HI), 4) Low-intensity (LI), and 5) Control Group (CG). Participants completed 16 weeks of resistance exercise training, followed by a 6-week detraining period. Maximal isokinetic torque (N.m) of right and left knee extension (PTRE/PTLE) and flexion (PTRF/PTLF) was measured at pre-training, post-training and immediately following the detraining period.

RESULTS

Increased strength was observed in the LI + BFR_H, LI + BRF_L and HI groups post-training compared to baseline in the PTRE (Δ% = 27.2, 15.75 and 13.81%, p < .05, respectively), PTLE (Δ% = 25.2, 18.95 and 30.39%, p < .05, respectively), PTRF (Δ% = 36.7, 22.79 and 34.97%, p < .05, respectively) and PTLF in the groups (Δ% = 35.8, 24.93 and 26.14%, p < .05, respectively). Following the detraining period, the LI + BFR_H, LI + BFR_L and HI groups had a decrease in strength levels, but values did not decrease below baseline level.

CONCLUSION

Low intensity BFR resistance exercise increases muscle strength in older women similar to HI, with higher occlusion pressures being more effective. Muscle strength was well preserved following a 6-week detraining period, and although reductions were observed, some preservation of strength can be explained by possible neural adaptations to exercise.