Low Load With Blood Flow Restriction for Improving Strength, Balance, and Cognition in Older Adults

Sahmyook University26 enrolled

Overview

This study aims to examine the effects of low load resistance exercise with a blood flow restriction cuff on muscle strength, balance, physical performance, depression, and cognitive function in community-dwelling older adults.

This randomized controlled trial investigates the effects of low-load resistance exercise combined with blood flow restriction (BFR) in community-dwelling older adults. A total of 26 participants aged 65 and older will be randomly assigned to either a BFR exercise group or a control group that performs the same resistance exercises without BFR. The intervention will be conducted twice a week for 8 weeks (16 sessions total). The BFR cuffs will be applied at 50% of the participant's arterial occlusion pressure. Both groups will undergo the same exercise protocol, supervised by trained personnel. Assessments will be performed at baseline and after the intervention. Primary outcome measures include lower limb strength (5 Times Sit-to-Stand Test), balance ability (Timed Up and Go test), gait performance (10-meter walk test, GaitRite), muscle mass index (SMI) using BWA 2.0, muscle thickness (quadriceps via ultrasound), cognitive function (MoCA), depression level (GDS-K). Both participants and outcome assessors are blinded to group allocation. This study has received IRB approval from Sahmyook University Institutional Review Board.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

DOUBLE

Enrollment

Conditions

Blood Flow Restriction Exercise Resistance Training Elderly (People Aged 65 or More)Muscle Strength Balance Cognition Depression

Interventions

Blood flow restriction cuffOTHER

Use of blood flow restriction cuff during resistance training. The cuff pressure is set at 50% of the participant's arterial occlusion pressure.

Exercise without BFR cuffOTHER

Resistance exercise performed without blood flow restriction. Same protocol as BFR group but without cuff application.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 65 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: 1. Community-dwelling individuals aged 65 years and older who have not had a fall in the past year. 2. No neurological or musculoskeletal condition that would interfere with exercise performance. 3. Clear consciousness and able to communicate effectively. 4. Capable of reading and writing. 5. Able to understand the research explanation and provide informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Orthopedic, neurological, or vascular conditions that may affect vital signs such as dizziness, blood pressure instability, or fall risk during assessment. 2. Any history of musculoskeletal surgery within the past 6 months. 3. Physician-determined health status that contraindicates exercise participation. 4. Cognitive or literacy impairments that hinder understanding of study procedures.

Locations (1)

Sahmyook University, Graduate School of Physical Therapy

Seoul, South Korea

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Quadriceps muscle thickness (via ultrasound)

Muscle thickness of the rectus femoris and vastus intermedius will be assessed using B-mode ultrasound at rest. Measurements will be taken pre- and post-intervention.

Time frame: From baseline to the end of the 8-week intervention.

Skeletal Muscle Mass Index (SMI)

SMI will be calculated using appendicular lean mass obtained from bioelectrical impedance analysis (BWA 2.0) and height squared (kg/m²). Handgrip strength will also be assessed as an indicator of muscle function.

Time frame: From baseline to the end of the 8-week intervention.

Secondary Outcomes

Lower limb strength (5 Times Sit to Stand Test)

Lower extremity strength will be assessed using the Five Times Sit to Stand Test, measuring the time required to stand from a chair and sit down five times.

Time frame: From baseline to the end of the 8-week intervention.

Depression level (GDS-K)

Depressive symptoms will be assessed using the Korean version of the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-K), a standardized self-report screening tool for older adults. It consists of 30 items, each answered with "Yes" or "No." The total score ranges from 0 to 30, with higher scores indicating more severe depressive symptoms. Scores are interpreted as follows: 0-13 = normal, 14-18 = mild depression, 19-21 = moderate depression, and 22 or above = severe depression.

Time frame: From baseline to the end of the 8-week intervention.

Cognitive function (MoCA)

Cognitive function will be evaluated using the Korean version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA-K), a validated screening tool for mild cognitive impairment in older adults. It assesses multiple cognitive domains, including attention, memory, language, visuospatial skills, executive functions, and orientation. The total score ranges from 0 to 30, with higher scores indicating better cognitive performance. A score below 23 is generally considered indicative of cognitive impairment. One point may be added for individuals with 6 or fewer years of formal education.

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

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