Blood Flow Restriction and Aerobic Exercise in Iron Deficiency Anemia

Impact of Blood Flow Restriction on Hematological Factors in Anemic Young Females

Preventing iron deficiency anemia is essential for strengthening adolescent health and ensuring their full development. Strategies such as improving nutrition, expanding the availability of iron-fortified products, implementing pharmacological prevention, and raising awareness play a crucial role in addressing this issue.

Anemia is a global public health problem affecting both developing and developed countries at all ages, with major consequences for human health as well as social and economic burden. Iron deficiency affects more than 2 billion people world wide, and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) remains to be the top cause of anemia.

For decades, blood flow restriction (BFR), originating from Japan, has become one of the most popular techniques in physiotherapy. To perform the BFR technique, a controlled tourniquet is performed, generating a gradual mechanical pressure just below it, affecting blood flow (both arterial and venous) and generating a hypoxia in the restricted area. For the realization of the tourniquet, mechanical cuffs are used, which are inflated and regulate the pressure generated in the compression zone, although nylon or elastic cuffs are also used for the realization of the tourniquet.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Hb more than 8 and less than 12 in females.
2. Age: 19-25 year.
3. BMI ranging from 25 to 29.9 kg/m2.
4. No existing inflammatory conditions including rheumatoid arthritis disorders of the lower extremities.
5. Physical activity level less than 150 min per week

Exclusion Criteria:

1. unstable hypertension, venous thromboembolism, hypercoagulable states, varicose veins, pregnancy, and hemophilia.
2. inherited or acquired red cell disorders (haemoglobinopathies).
3. acute or chronic infections (malaria, tuberculosis, HIV),.
4. severe anemia (Hb <8 g/dL).
5. History of cardiovascular diseases.
6. Nutritional anemia (B12/folate)
7. Pregnancy.
8. Peripheral arterial disease.
9. Intermittent claudication.
10. Non smokers