Journal of Clinical Medicine
Blood Flow Restriction Training in Seniors: An Alternative to High-Load Resistance Training
By Krzysztof Kasicki and Grzegorz Błażejewski.
Abstract
Background
High-load resistance training is the primary intervention to counteract sarcopenia; however, it may be contraindicated or poorly tolerated in some older adults. Low-load resistance training with blood flow restriction (LL-BFR) has been proposed as an option for these individuals. This review compared LL-BFR with high-load resistance training in older adults.
Methods
The review followed the PRISMA 2020 and SWiM guidelines. PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and EBSCOhost were searched for controlled trials (sample mean age ≥ 60 years) with an intervention lasting ≥4 weeks and a parallel high-load arm (≥60% 1RM). Risk of bias was assessed with RoB 2, study-level effects were expressed as Hedges’ g without statistical pooling, and the certainty of evidence was rated using GRADE.