【論文摘要】Effects of Blood Flow Restriction Resistance Training on Lower Extremity Muscle Strength and Functional Activities in Pre-Frail Older Adults

【論文摘要】血流限制肌力訓練對於衰弱前期高齡長者下肢肌力及功能性活動表現之效應

Szu-Fang Wang(王思芳) ； Chieh-Ying Chou(周杰穎) ； Min-Hsin Lin(林明興) ； Yi-Ching Yang(楊宜青) ； Pei-Yun Lee(李佩紜)

《物理治療》 48卷2期 (2023/06) Pp. 127-127

https://doi.org/10.6215/FJPT.202306.O26

摘要

Background and Purpose: Frailty is a state that could lead to adverse health outcomes. Exercise is an effective way to reverse frailty in older adults, especially resistance training. Previous studies showed that low-intensity resistance training combined with blood flow restriction could significantly increase the lower extremities (LE) muscle strength and muscle mass in healthy older adults. However, the effects of blood flow restriction resistance training (BFR-RT) on pre-frail older adults is unclear. The purpose was to investigate the effects of BFR-RT on LE muscle strength and functional activities in pre-frail older adults. Methods: Forty-two pre-frail older adults were randomly assigned into experimental group to receive low intensity (20-30% 1RM) BFR-RT or control group to receive moderate intensity (50-60% 1RM) resistance training, both on LE, 30 minutes/session, 2 sessions/week for 6 weeks. Outcome measures were assessed at before (baseline) and after training (post-test), and one-month follow-up. Measurements included bilateral LE muscle strength and muscle mass, 30 seconds sit to stand (30STS), timed up and go test (TUG), and preferred and maximum walking speed. Two-way repeated measures ANOVA was used to compare the outcome measures among the three times and between the two groups. Results: Bilateral knee extensors showed significant interaction. Post hoc tests showed that, compared to baseline, experimental group significantly increased left knee extensors strength at post-test and follow-up, whereas control group significantly increased at post-test. For the right knee extensors strength, only experimental group showed significant increase at post-test compared to baseline. No significant interaction and group main effect but significant time main effect was found in other outcome measures. Bilateral hip flexors and ankle dorsiflexors strength, 30STS, TUG, and preferred and maximum walking speed significantly improved at post-test and follow-up compared to baseline. LE muscle mass showed insignificant change over time. Conclusion: Low-intensity BFR-RT is effective on increasing LE muscle strength in pre-frail older adults, especially the knee extensors. Furthermore, such resistance training could improve performance of functional activities in pre-frail older adults. Clinical Relevance: For vulnerable older adults, low-intensity BFR-RT could be used to improve LE muscle strength.