The overall objective of this study is to investigate the efficacy of low-intensity blood flow restricted resistance exercise (BFRRE) to promote health beneficial skeletal muscle adaptations and augment muscle function in a healthy older population. This objective will be achieved by in-dept evaluation of skeletal muscle cellular and functional characteristics prior to and after an intervention period comprising 6 weeks of BFRRE or non-exercise control intervention in healthy older subjects. A special focus is placed on the ability of BFRRE to stimulate skeletal muscle protein synthesis and augment muscle stem cell function. Furthermore, recent findings suggests that similar exercise interventions in a population of patients with heart failure (HF) does not stimulate the desired adaptations. In accordance, we aim to compare the adaptive response to BFRRE amongst HF patients and the enrolled age-matched healthy individuals from the present investigation. The findings of the current study will expand our understanding of how low-intensity resistance exercise alternatives might be viable in promoting muscle anabolism to combat the loss of muscle mass observed with ageing as well as the potential anabolic resistance accompanying HF diagnosis.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
24
Low-intensity bloodflow restricted resistance exercise is conducted as traditional knee extension exercise with a load corresponding to 30% of 1 repetition maximum (RM), with concurrent partial occlusion of the circulation by means of inflatable pneumatic cuffs wrapped around the proximal part of the thighs. Cuffs are inflated to a pressure corresponding to 50% of the arterial occlusion pressure, which only compromises venous but not arterial blood flow.
University of Aarhus
Aarhus, Denmark
Subfractional muscle protein synthesis rates
Myofibrillar protein synthesis rate
Time frame: 6 weeks
Subfractional muscle protein synthesis rates
Mitochondrial protein synthesis rate
Time frame: 6 weeks
Segmental muscle mass of lower extremity
Dual Energi X-ray Absorption (DEXA)
Time frame: 6 weeks
Muscle fibre cross sectional area (CSA)
Histological examination of muscle biopsies
Time frame: 6 weeks
Muscle stem cell function
Time to first division
Time frame: 6 weeks
Muscle stem cell function
Proliferative capacity
Time frame: 6 weeks
Muscle stem cell function
Differentiation capacity
Time frame: 6 weeks
Maximal Voluntary Contraction (MVC)
Isometric muscle function
Time frame: 6 weeks
1 repetition maximum
Dynamic muscle strength
Time frame: 6 weeks
Muscle strength-endurance capacity
Local muscle endurance
Time frame: 6 weeks
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