Blood Flow Restriction in Older Adults: Implications and Interventions for Sarcopenia Management

Sarcopenia, the age-related decline in muscle mass, strength, and function, is a growing public health challenge with limited therapeutic options. Blood flow restriction (BFR) training enables muscle hypertrophy and strength gains at low training loads, offering a feasible alternative for older adults unable to tolerate heavy resistance exercise. Evidence from healthy older adults and medically complex populations demonstrates improvements in physical function, with safety profiles comparable with conventional training when individualized pressures are used. However, studies specifically targeting clinically defined sarcopenia remain scarce. Further trials recruiting sarcopenic cohorts are needed to determine the feasibility, efficacy, and durability in sarcopenia management.