Safety and possible effects of low-intensity resistance training associated with partial blood flow restriction in polymyositis and dermatomyositis

INTRODUCTION: Our aim was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a low-intensity resistance training program combined with partial blow flow restriction (BFR training) in a cohort of patients with polymyositis (PM) and dermatomyositis (DM). METHODS: In total, 13 patients with PM and DM completed a 12-week twice a week low-intensity (that is, 30% one-repetition-maximum (1RM)) resistance exercise training program combined with partial blood flow restriction (BFR). Assessments of muscle strength, physical function, quadriceps cross sectional (CSA) area, health-related quality of life, and clinical and laboratory parameters were assessed at baseline and after the intervention. RESULTS: The BFR training program was effective in increasing the maximal dynamic strength in both the leg-press (19.6%, P 0.05) after the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated that a 12-week supervised low-intensity resistance training program associated with partial blood flow restriction may be safe and effective in improving muscle strength and function as well as muscle mass and health-related quality of life in patients with PM and DM. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01501019. Registered November 29, 2011.