Blood Flow Rextriction Training in Upper Extremity of Elderly

The Effect of Blood Flow Restrictive Exercise on Grip Strength and Upper Extremity Functions in Elderly Individuals

Our study aims to decrease independence by increasing upper extremity strength and performance by applying blood flow restrictive training, which has entered the literature as a new method, to the upper extremity in the elderly. The application will only be applied to the upper extremity and will last for 6 weeks.

People are living longer now than in the past. The experience of old age in modern societies has gained importance with the prolongation of life expectancy. Over the years, the elderly lead to a decrease in physiological capacity and an increase in the risk of various diseases, resulting in a decrease in the functional capacity of the individual. Many physiological changes occur in the organism with advancing age. Muscle strength is an important determinant of healthy aging. It is known that the decrease in muscle mass and strength impairs body function and can have significant consequences for the individual, as well as increase economic costs. Impairment in function initially results in difficulties performing common daily activities such as carrying household items; however, when body strength falls below a clinically relevant threshold, mobility restriction increases and may affect independence in activities of basic daily living. Loss of independence requires support from caregivers; often leads to social withdrawal and adverse effects on well-being and quality of life. Muscle strength, function and mobility are the biggest determinants of independence. Handgrip strength is used in clinical practice, rehabilitation, and public health research to determine musculoskeletal function and assess frailty and disability.

The aim of our study is to determine the effect of BFRT applied to the upper extremity for 6 weeks on general function, hand grip strength, upper extremity functional status, activities of daily living and functionality for elderly individuals between the ages of 65-75. Our hypothesis is that BFR will increase upper extremity function and related activities of daily living and mobility by increasing hand grip strength in elderly individuals.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Participants aged 65 and over who are classified as advanced age according to the World Health Organization
• Volunteer basis

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of acute trauma to the hand or wrist
• Scrapped upper extremity
• Patients with symptoms of shoulder or elbow pain and rheumatoid arthritis,
• Those who have participated in upper extremity weight training training in the last 6 months,
• Those taking sedatives
• Upper extremity venous thrombosis,
• Being at high risk for cardiovascular conditions that interfere with exercise, unexplained chest pain or heart disease, fainting or dizziness during physical activity/exercise