Kinesiology Commons^™

Comparing Various Physiological System Adaptations Following 8 Weeks Of Resistance Training With Or Without Bfr In Older Males, Ricardo Parra

Theses and Dissertations

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of 8 weeks of resistance exercise training with and without BFR on: 1), arterial elasticity and hemodynamics (e.g., blood pressure and resting heart rate), 2) muscular force production (e.g., maximal voluntary contraction, force production, electromyography, and estimated one-repetition maximum) in males between the 50 to 70 years of age.

RESULTS: Significant condition difference for reflection magnitude occurred in BFR group (p < 0.05). Significant time*condition effect occurred in Leg Press 1RM, Leg Extension 1RM, Leg Curl 1RM, Chest Press 1RM, and Shoulder Press 1RM (p < 0.05). Significant condition* time interaction occurred for Isokinetic Leg Extension Test (60°/s) (p < 0.05). A significant time*condition interaction occurred during Maximal Voluntary Contraction (MVC) – Root Mean Square for both vastus medialis and vastus lateralis (p < 0.05). A significant time main effect occurred in the BFR group for the amplitude mean of the MVC in the vastus medialis and vastus lateralis (p < 0.05). A significant time main effect occurred for median frequency of the MVC (p < 0.05). A significant difference in Estimated Visceral Adipose Tissue occurred in the BFR group (p < 0.05). A significant condition*time interaction occurred in arm fat percentage (p < 0.05). The BFR group had significantly less fat tissue (%) in the left arm (p < 0.01) and in the right arm (p = 0.04). A significant time*main effect occurred in the total lean tissue for the left side of the body (p = 0.04).

CONCLUSION: Using BFR resistance training at a low intensity can achieve similar adaptations seen at high intensities while reducing the risk of injury that comes with heavier loads.