Chronic Effect of Strength Training with Blood Flow Restriction on Muscular Strength among Women with Osteoporosis

Silva J, Neto GR, Freitas E, Pereira Neto E, Batista G, Torres M, Sousa MS. Chronic Effect of Strength Training with Blood Flow Restriction on Muscular Strength among Women with Osteoporosis. JEPonline 2015;18(4):33-41. The aim of this study was to analyze the chronic effect of strength training (ST) combined with blood flow restriction (BFR) on maximal dynamic strength (MDS) in osteoporotic women. Fifteen elderly women with osteoporosis, aged 62.2 ± 4.53 yrs, took part in the study. They were proportionally randomized into three groups: (a) low-intensity strength training with BFR (LI+BFR); (b) high intensity exercise (HI); and (c) control (CON). Experimental groups performed knee extensions for 12 wks, 2 times·wk-1. The CON subjects maintained their normal daily activities. They did not perform any type of exercise during the study period. The one-repetition maximum (1-RM) test was performed to assess MDS pre-test and at 6thand 12th-wks. Outcomes showed significant increases in the MDS when the pre-test and the 12th-wk values were compared for the HI and LI+BFR groups (P<0.001; P=0.004), respectively. The ES of LI+BFR was also effective in improving MDS levels. Therefore, this method of intervention might be an effective alternative for special groups, particularly osteoporotic women.