This randomized controlled study was conducted to investigate the effects of low-load blood flow-restricted exercise training (LL-BFRT) on lower extremity muscle strength, balance, functional and cognitive performance in healthy individuals, in comparison with high-load resistive exercise training (HL-RT).
28 healthy individuals between the ages of 18-30 were included in the study. Participants were randomly divided into two groups: LL-BFRT and HL-RT. A 6-week exercise program consisting of lower extremity strengthening and balance exercises was applied to both groups under the supervision of a physiotherapist 2 days/week. The exercises in the BFR group was carried out at individualized occlusion pressure through the H+Cuff® placed on the proximal thigh, while the same exercises were carried out in the HL-RT group without BFR. Muscle strength was measured by "Digital Hand-Held Dynamometer", dynamic balance was measured by "Y Balance Test", static balance was measured by "Single Leg Stance Test (eyes open and closed)", functional performance was measured by "Single Leg Hop Test" and "6 Minute Walking Test", cognitive performance was evaluated with "Trail Making Test" and the "Stroop Color and Word Test".
After 6 weeks of exercise training, statistically significant improvements were achieved in knee extansor (Z=-3,297) and flexor (Z=-3,316) muscle strength, lower extremity dynamic (Z=-3,409) and static (Z=-2,465) balance, functional (Z=-3,418; -3,064) and cognitive (Z=-3,078) performance for both LL-BFRT and HL-RT groups in the pre and post assessment (p0,05). However, no statistically significant difference was detected in any evaluation criteria in comparisons between the groups (p>0.05).
The results of this study indicate that both LL-BFR and HL-RT are effective methods for improving muscle strength, dynamic and static balance, functional capacity, and cognitive performance after 6 weeks of exercise training. Despite achieving statistically significant improvements in all measured criteria for both groups, there was no significant difference in the effectiveness of the two exercise modalities. This suggests that both training approaches yield comparable outcomes in terms of physical and cognitive performance. As a conclusion, LL-BFRT have similar effects compared with HL-RT on lower extremity muscle strength, postural balance, functional and cognitive performance in healthy subjects.
This study's results confirms that LL-BFRT shows effective muscle strengthening and functional improvements without the need for HL-RT. Implementing LL-BFRT could enable physiotherapists to prescribe low-intensity exercises while still achieving meaningful outcomes in muscle strength and functional performance, thus reducing the risk of injury or aggravation of underlying pahtologies. On the other hand, this study highlights that both exercise methods improve cognitive performance, indicating that BFRT can be integrated into rehabilitation programs aimed not only at physical recovery but also at improving cognitive functions.
exercise training
cognitive performance
