The effect of resistance training with blood flow restriction on static and dynamic balance in elderly with a history of falls

Impaired static and dynamic balance is one of the main causes of falls in the elderly. As an effective training method, resistance training with restricted blood flow leads to neuromuscular adaptation in the elderly by recruitment of fast-twitch fibers and creating hypoxia in muscles.Comparison of two methods of resistance training with and without blood flow restriction on static and dynamic balance in the elderly with a history of falls.۲۷ older men (۶۲±۱.۵) with a history of falls were randomly assigned into three groups of resistance training without blood flow restriction, resistance training with blood flow restriction and control. Bodyweight Squat training program for both experimental groups consisted of ۴ weeks and three training sessions per week. The first two weeks of the training program consisted of three sets and ۱۵ repetitions for each sets with ۶۰ seconds rest interval. The second two weeks of the training program consisted of four sets and ۱۵ repetitions for each sets while holding weights equivalent to ۵% of individuals’ body weight. To restrict blood flow, a ۸ cm wide elastic band with a pressure of (۷۲±۹ mm Hg) was used in the proximal part of the thigh. All subjects participated in the Romberg Balance and Timed Up and Go tests pre and post intervention.The results of one-way analysis of covariance and Bonferroni post-hoc test showed that resistance training group with restricted blood flow led to a statistically significant increase in static balance (p = ۰.۰۱) and a statistically significant improvement in dynamic balance (P=۰/۰۰۲).It seems that resistance training with restricted blood flow has improved static and dynamic balance by increasing the strength of lower extremity muscles and preventing atrophy of rapidly contracting muscle fibers in the elderly with a history of falls.

کلیدواژه ها:

Elderly ، Static balance ، Dynamic balance ، Resistance training ، Blood flow restriction