Potential Role of Blood Flow Restricted Exercise for Older Adults

Abstract

Sarcopenia is the age-related loss of muscle mass and strength which is associated with the loss of physical performance, lower quality of life, and other negative health outcomes. Resistance training (RT) is a recognized method to increase muscle strength and mass, however some older adults may be limited in their ability to perform RT with traditionally recommended higher-loads. Occluding blood flow to a limb, commonly referred to as muscle blood flow restriction (MBFR), has been investigated as an adjunct to RT to elicit muscle strength and hypertrophy adaptations while utilizing lower-loads of resistance as compared to traditional training recommendations. This technique could be of particular interest for older adults who may be limited in their ability to otherwise complete RT due to health reasons or may be debilitated due to a lack of muscle mass and strength. The aim of this narrative review is to discuss the current literature investigating the use of MBFR with and without a combination of exercise, in older adults and its effects on skeletal muscle strength, hypertrophy, and physical function.