2016 Volume 62 Issue Suppl.1 Pages 231-235
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a long-term training program combining increased physical activity and walking with blood flow restriction (BFR) on the body composition and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels in elderly subjects.
Methods: A total of 13 subjects (age, 67±1 years) were assigned to the walking and stair-climbing (WS) group (6 men) or the WS and BFR-walk (BFR) group (5 men and 2 women). Both groups were instructed to complete walking sessions of more than 30 min, at a self-selected, faster pace than usual, and to climb more than 5 flights of stairs per day, for at least four days per week. In addition, the BFR group completed a 20-min treadmill walking session on a weekly basis, for 6 months, at a pre-determined exercise intensity of 70-85% of the age-predicted maximum heart rate and with BFR of 100-120 mmHg applied to both thighs. The measured outcome variables included height, body weight (BW), waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI), muscle mass, fat mass, body fat (%Fat), and HbA1c levels, measured at baseline, at the 3-month midpoint of the program, and at the 6-month endpoint.
Results: After the 6-month intervention, the BW, WC, BMI, fat mass, %fat, and HbA1c levels were decreased compared to baseline in both the WS and BFR groups (p<0.01), with the muscle mass increasing in both groups (p<0.05).
Conclusions: A 6-month walking and stair-climbing exercise program was effective in improving body composition and HbA1c levels in elderly subjects, with no added benefits of BFR.
