[Objective]To determine the effects of KAATSU training on disuse syndrome.
[Methods]A 6- to 12-minute KAATSU training session consisting of three different motions was implemented in 3 patients using a KAATSU training instrument manufactured by Sato Sports Plaza Co., Ltd. twice weekly for 2 to 4 months. Muscle mass, muscular strength, and physical performance were evaluated using a bioelectrical impedance analyzer, a grip dynamometer, and the Timed UP and Go test (TUG test), respectively, before and after KAATSU training. Growth hormone (GH) levels were measured in 2 patients.
[Results]After KAATSU training, muscle mass increased in all 3 patients, by 12%, 4.5%, and 3.3%, respectively; grip strength also increased in all 3 patients by 6%, 50%, and 8.3%, respectively. Although TUG time shortened in 1 patient, TUG test was discontinued in the other 2 patients because of knee pain or a fall during measurement. The GH levels rose 5 and 10 fold in the 2 patients measured, compared with the levels obtained before KAATSU training.
[Conclusion]KAATSU training ensures early muscle strengthening, and is expected to be valuable for the prevention and treatment of not only disuse syndrome, but also sarcopenia.

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[Objective]The effectiveness of KAATSU training has been reported in wide-ranging fields from sports medicine to rehabilitation, and KAATSU training has been clinically applied. However, there have been only limited reports on pediatric cases. We performed KAATSU training in a pediatric patient with periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) and examined its effectiveness and safety for cerebral palsy. We report here the results of this examination.
[Methods]KAATSU training was performed on a PVL patient on an outpatient basis. This training was performed once a week for 14 weeks and involved mainly three specified motions of the upper and lower limbs. Evaluation was performed using the Gross Motor Function Measure (Gross Motor Function Classification System: GMFM) and videos. In this report, the effectiveness of short-term KAATSU training was compared with that of intensive physical therapy using data in the literature.
[Results]QOL improved due to short-term reduction of muscle tonus and increased acquired movements resulting from KAATSU training.
[Conclusion]The results of this report suggest that KAATSU training can be effective in PVL patients. Further examination is necessary with increased cases and evaluation methods.

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