Low-BFR vs Moderate-Intensity Resistance Training on Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Elderly Women

The Effects of Low-Intensity Resistance Training Combined With Blood Flow Restriction Versus Moderate-Intensity Resistance Training on Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Elderly Women

This study is aiming to compare the CRF utilizing LIRT-BFR and MIRT in the elderly. Both techniques provided comparable gains in VO₂ max and the BORG scale. The BFR group displayed a greater level of safety for elderly to undertake resistance training with the same benefit as the MIRT group.

Decreased cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is a common issue among older adults and contributes to reduced physical activity levels and quality of life. While aerobic exercise is known to improve CRF, it has limited effects on muscle strength and mass. In contrast, resistance training can enhance both cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness when performed at moderate intensity. Blood flow restriction (BFR) applied during low-intensity resistance training (LIRT-BFR) has emerged as a promising alternative that may elicit similar physiological benefits to traditional moderate-intensity resistance training (MIRT) while reducing mechanical stress on joints and muscles. This study aims to compare the effects of six weeks of LIRT-BFR versus MIRT on cardiorespiratory fitness in elderly women. Twenty-eight participants were randomly assigned to either the LIRT-BFR group or the MIRT group and completed 12 supervised exercise sessions over six weeks. The MIRT group performed exercises at 40-60% of one-repetition maximum (1-RM), while the LIRT-BFR group exercised at 20-30% of 1-RM under blood flow restriction. The primary outcome was the predicted VO₂max obtained from the 6-Minute Walking Test (6MWT). The secondary outcome was the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) measured using the modified Borg scale following the 6MWT.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Female aged ≥60 years who routinely performed aerobic exercise in RSUD Dr. Soetomo
• Normal cognitive function (MoCA-Ina score ≥ 26)
• Passed the screening questionnaire.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Severe physical disability (presented with a musculoskeletal, cardiorespiratory, or neurological disease that affected physical performance during exercise)
• Visual and hearing impairment
• Balance impairment
• Blood clotting disorder
• Peripheral arterial disease on the legs
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Neuropathy in the lower extremity
• Uncontrolled hypertension or diabetes mellitus
• Previous stroke and compartment syndrome
• Knee osteoarthritis with moderate pain (VAS >4)
• Past vascular surgery
• Prior skin graft on the lower leg area
• Lower limb bone surgery within the past 12 weeks
• Immobilization during the last 4 weeks
• Statin consumption
• Sarcopenia
• Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo with an exacerbation in the previous 4 weeks.