Low-load blood flow restricted resistance strength training in patients suffering from various lower limb injuries: results from a pilot project

Research output: Contribution to conferencePosterCommunication

Abstract

Background: Resistance training with low loads (~30% 1repetition maximum)
performed with concurrent partial blood flow restriction of the working limb
(Blood flow restricted exercise: LL- BFRE) has achieved scientific merit over the
past decades. Further, LL- BFRE has demonstrated to promote gains in skeletal
muscle hypertrophy and strength as comparable to that seen with heavy resistance
strength (HRST). In some patients, however, HRST can be contraindicated
due to pain or post surgical restrictions. Despite these contraindication, the majority
of patients would most likely benefit from increasing (or at least maintaining)
their skeletal muscle mass and strength in order to maintain a sufficiently
high functional capacity level and quality of life.
Purpose / Aim of Study: To examine the feasibility of blood flow restricted
low- load exercise (LL- BFRE) in patients suffering from orthopedic lower limb
(LL) injuries and measure outcomes on muscle strength, functional capacity,
jump height, and patient-reported outcome measures (PROM).
Materials and Methods: 14 patients (52 +/-17 years) diagnosed with variuos
orthopedic lower limb injuries were included. The patients performed LL-BFRE
for 4-8 weeks. LL-BFRE comprised of unilateral leg press with concurrent partial
blood restriction (40% occlusion pressure) at 30%1RM. Two protocols were
tested containing 4 rounds with 30-sec rest pauses. Participants completed 3
functional performance tests, 2 strength-based tests, 1 hop- test, and KOOS.
Findings / Results: Three patients dropped out due to exercise-related adverse
events (2) and personal reasons (1). Thigh Circumferences and Isometric
Knee Extensor Strength (injured side) increased from 45.2 ± 3.1 cm to 46.0 ±
4.0 cm (p=0.05) and 3.1 ± 0.8 N/m to 4.3 ± 1.4 N/m (p=0.01). 30-seconds
sit to stand improved from 16 ± 7 repetitions to 19 ± 10 repetitions (p=0.02).
KOOS Pain, Symptoms and Sport & Rec improved from 62 ± 19 points to 74 ±
20 point (p=0.03), 58 ± 16 points to 67 ± 15 points (p=0.03), and 22 ± 18
points to 40 ± 24 points (p=0.03).
Conclusions: LL-BFRE was feasible in patients suffering from different LLinjuries.
The intervention may improve
Original languageDanish
Publication date26 Sept 2019
Number of pages1
Publication statusPublished - 26 Sept 2019
EventRegion Midt Sports Seminar - Regional Hospital Horsens, Horsens, Denmark
Duration: 26 Sept 2019 → …

Seminar

SeminarRegion Midt Sports Seminar
LocationRegional Hospital Horsens
Country/TerritoryDenmark
CityHorsens
Period26/09/2019 → …

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