Key result
Blood flow restriction combined with low-intensity training significantly improved lower limb muscle strength in older adults (SMD 0.66; 95% CI 0.41-0.91; p < 0.001).
Why the study?
To systematically evaluate the effect of blood flow restriction combined with low-intensity training on muscular strength and function of older adults.
Does blood flow restriction combined with low-intensity training improve lower limb muscle strength and function in older adults?
Meta-Analysis (n=419)
Does blood flow restriction combined with low-intensity training improve lower limb muscle strength and function in older adults?
Standardized Mean Difference: 0.66 (95% CI 0.41–0.91)
p-value: p=< 0.001
Blood flow restriction combined with low-intensity training effectively improves lower limb muscular strength and function in older adults, offering greater strength gains than regular low-intensity training but weaker than high-intensity training.
BFR-LI offers a viable option for older adults intolerant to high-intensity exercise; extends meta-analytic support for strength gains over low-intensity training alone.
OBJECTIVE: To systematically evaluate the effect of blood flow restriction (BFR) combined with low-intensity (LI) training on muscular strength and function of older adults. METHODS: Databases including PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCO host, Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wan Fang Data were searched to collect randomized controlled trials (RTCs) investigating the effects of BFR-LI training on muscular strength and function of older adults. The Cochrane bias risk assessment tool was applied to evaluate the methodological quality of the included studies, and acquired data were statistically analyzed using Stata 14.0 software. The retrieval period is from the establishment of the database to February 2022. RESULTS: Eighteen RCTs were included, with a total sample size of 419 people. Meta-analysis shows that BFR-LI training significantly improves the lower limb muscle strength (SMD: 0.66, 95%CI: [0.41,0.91], p < 0.001), and muscle function in Timed Up and Go Test (SMD: 0.79, 95%CI: [0.07,1.51], p < 0.05), and 30 Second Sit to Stand Test (SMD: 0.77, 95%CI: [0.13-1.40], p < 0.05). Different condition of control group (β = 0.48, 95% CI: [-0.98,-0.50], p < 0.01) and exercise duration (β = 1.05, 95% CI:[0.00,0.09], p < 0.05) were significant moderators in subgroup and meta-regression analyses. The effects of BFR-LI on strength gain are greater than regular LI-training in combined with resistance training and walking training, but weaker than the effect of high-intensity (HI) training. CONCLUSION: BFR-LI training can effectively improve the muscular strength and function of the lower limbs of older adults. However, due to the limitations in the quality of the included research (inappropriate research design, small sample size, etc.), issues such as pressure intensity and exercise risk still need to be confirmed by more standardized and high-quality studies.
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Zhang et al. (2022) conducted a meta-analysis in older adults (n=419). Blood flow restriction (BFR) combined with low-intensity (LI) training vs. Regular low-intensity training or high-intensity training was evaluated on lower limb muscle strength (SMD 0.66, 95% CI 0.41-0.91, p=< 0.001). Blood flow restriction combined with low-intensity training significantly improved lower limb muscle strength in older adults (SMD 0.66; 95% CI 0.41-0.91; p < 0.001).
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