Kaatsu Training: Application to Metabolic Syndrome

Abstract

Kaatsu training (hereafter Kaatsu) was applied to patients with metabolic syndrome. PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of Kaatsu on patients with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and obesity with metabolic syndrome. METHOD: A 3-exercise set of Kaatsu was performed for 6-12 minutes, once or twice a week with a Borg scale at level 13. The usefulness of Kaatsu was evaluated 3 to 4 months later. In this study, patients were instructed not to change their lifestyles (e.g. food, medicine and exercise). RESULTS: The effectiveness of Kaatsu was shown in 31 out of 51 patients (61%) to which Kaatsu was applied. In 12 out of 18 patients (67%) with hypertension, systolic blood pressure dropped from an average of 166 mmHg to 146 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure also dropped from an average of 96 mmHg to 86 mmHg. In 6 out of 10 patients (60%) with diabetes mellitus, HbA1c dropped from an average of 6.8% to 6.12%. In 8 out of 14 patients (57%) with dyslipidemia, LDL-c decreased from an average of 158 mg/dl to 136 mg/dl. In 5 out of 9 patients (56%) with obesity, there was a reduction in weight from an average of 67 kg to 59 kg. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Kaatsu training improves physical conditions including hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia and obesity with metabolic syndrome.