Effect of KAATSU training on a patient with benign fasciculation syndrome

[Objective]Benign fasciculation syndrome (BFS) is a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary and repeated contractions of synergetic muscles and commonly occurs in the eyelids, arms and legs. BFS is also associated with pain, which may interfere with everyday activities. This report describes the case of a BFS patient who performed KAATSU exercise, a type of exercises performed under the conditions of restricting muscle blood flow.[Methods]The patient performed KAATSU exercise of the bilateral upper and lower extremities at a frequency of twice a week for 3 months. Knee extensor strength as measured with a hand-held dynamometer (HHD), QOL scores as assessed by the SF-36v2 questionnaire form, and bilateral femoral muscle mass as measured by MRI were compared before and after exercise.[Results]After a 3-month KAATSU exercise program, the right and left knee extensor strength as measured with a HHD increased by about 26% from 30.9 to 38.8 kgf and by about 44% from 39.9 to 57.4 kgf, respectively, and the bilateral femoral muscle mass as measured by MRI increased by about 23% from 8,730 to 10,709 cc. Overall improvement in QOL was also observed, as assessed by the SF-36v2 questionnaire form.[Conclusion]For patients with neurological disorders with pain, such as the present patient, active introduction of KAATSU-based exercise is likely to result in improved health-related QOL, as well as increased muscle mass and strength.