Effects of strength training with and without blood flow restriction on quality of life in elderly women

Abstract

Objectives: To analyze the effects of RT with and without previews BFR wrist exercise on quality of life index, functional capacity test and maximum strength gains in elderly women. Method: 33 elderly women volunteers performed twice a week 14 week of whole-body RT at 70% 1RM. However before of the RT session 16 volunteers performed three set of 15 reps of wrist flexion at 40% 1RM with BFR(LL-BFR), and the other 17 volunteers performed this exercise at 70% 1RM without BFR (HL control group). BFR was applied only on wrist joint flexion RT. Pre- and post-intervention quality of life was assessed by the validated questionnaire, WHOQOL-BREF. Functional capacity and maximal strength were respectively evaluated through the sit/stand test in 30 seconds and the 1 RM test. Results: Quality of life improved significantly from pre- to post-test in both training programs (F= 67.21; p <0.05). The physical domain (F = 57.32), Social Domain (F = 71.59), Psychological domain (F = 29.80) and environmental domain (F= 3.62). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in relation to these domains. 1RM wrist flexion and functional capacity increase in both groups, however BFR group has greater increase in theses variable when compared to control group. Conclusion: It was concluded that the exercise of wrist flexion (at 40% 1RM) with BFR performed immediately before a traditional RT session (70% 1RM) were able to produce greater gains in maximal dynamic force and lower limb functional strength than RT alone.