The Effect of Unstable Resistance Training with Blood Flow Restriction on Short-Term Memory, Strength and Dynamic Balance in Older Adults

Introduction. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of unstable resistance training with blood flow restriction (URT with BFR) on short-term memory, strength and dynamic balance in older adults. Material and Methods. A total of 27 male older adults (age= 62 ± 1.5 years) were randomly divided into two experimental groups: URT with BFR, URT without BFR, and a control group. The training program for the experimental groups consisted of bodyweight Scott exercise (three sessions a week for four weeks). The first two weeks included three sets, each set consisted of 15 repetitions at 60-second intervals. The second two weeks included four sets, with each set consisting of 15 repetitions and the use of weight constituting 5% of each person’s body weight (mean = 3.5 ± 1.5kg). To restrict blood flow, an 8-cm wide elastic band was used at 72 ± 9 mm Hg arterial pressure. All subjects performed Wechsler memory, 30-sec chair stand test, and timed up and go test (TUG) before and after the intervention. Data analysis was carried out using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and Bonferroni post hoc test. Results. The results showed that URT with BFR was significantly superior to other groups in the variables of strength (p = 0.001), dynamic balance (p = 0.0001) and short-term memory (p = 0.04). Conclusions. These findings suggest that URT with BFR can be a useful training method for older adults.