ABSTRACT
Objective:To investigate the effect of blood flow restriction training (BFRT) on the rehabilitation of lower limb joint function in persons with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Methods:Sixty RA patients were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, each of 30. Both groups were given conventional slow-acting anti-rheumatic medication with low-dose glucocorticoids. Everyone received basic exercise training including joint training and plyometric training, but the observation group additionally received BFRT training during which constant pressure in an inguinal cuff restricted blood flow to the lower limbs. The observation group′s training program also included double leg push-ups and double knee extensions. Before, and 12 weeks after the intervention, the joint symptoms were assessed using swollen joint counts out of 28 joints (SJC28), tender joint counts out of 28 joints (TJC28) and pain reported using a visual analogue scale (VAS). Lower limb motor functioning was assessed using a timed-stands test (TST) and the timed-up-and-go (TUG) test. Life quality was evaluated using a health assessment questionnaire (HAQ) and arthritis self-efficacy scale-8 (ASES-8). Disease activity was quantified using a clinical disease activity index (CDAI), a simplified disease activity index (SDAI) and disease activity scoring with a 28-joint count (DAS28).Results:There were no significant differences between the two groups before the intervention. After the intervention all of the indicators except the DAS28 had improved significantly in the observation group. At that point they were also all better than the control group′s averages, where no significant improvement was observed. No serious adverse events occurred in either group during the experiment.Conclusions:BFRT can safely relieve joint symptoms and improve the lower limb motor functioning and life quality of RA sufferers. It is worthy of further clinical research and promotion.
ABSTRACT
Objective To observe the effects of short-term blood flow restriction (BFR) based on limb linkage training on cardiopulmonary endurance, lower limb muscle endurance and balance function of healthy people. Methods From December, 2019 to March, 2020, 20 healthy young people were randomly divided into control group (n = 10) and experimental group (n = 10). They accepted limb linkage training with the loading of anaerobic threshold (AT) according to the results of cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET), 20 minutes a time, three times a week, for two weeks; while the experimental group wore 250 mmHg blood pressure training belt at the root of both thighs; the control group wore blood pressure training belt with no pressure. They were assessed with CPET, 6-minute walking test, wall squatting, seat test and functional reach test before and after training. Results After training, all the indexes improved in both groups (|t| > 2.321, P < 0.05), except functional reach test, the results of wall squatting and seat test were better in the experimental group than in the control group (t > 2.660, P < 0.05). Conclusion Limb linkage training combined with lower extremity BFR could further improve lower limb muscle endurance.
ABSTRACT
Objective To observe the effects of short-term blood flow restriction (BFR) based on limb linkage training on cardiopulmonary endurance, lower limb muscle endurance and balance function of healthy people. Methods From December, 2019 to March, 2020, 20 healthy young people were randomly divided into control group (n = 10) and experimental group (n = 10). They accepted limb linkage training with the loading of anaerobic threshold (AT) according to the results of cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET), 20 minutes a time, three times a week, for two weeks; while the experimental group wore 250 mmHg blood pressure training belt at the root of both thighs; the control group wore blood pressure training belt with no pressure. They were assessed with CPET, 6-minute walking test, wall squatting, seat test and functional reach test before and after training. Results After training, all the indexes improved in both groups (|t| > 2.321, P < 0.05), except functional reach test, the results of wall squatting and seat test were better in the experimental group than in the control group (t > 2.660, P < 0.05). Conclusion Limb linkage training combined with lower extremity BFR could further improve lower limb muscle endurance.
ABSTRACT
Background: We currently know BFR training is a viable modality for strength gains in the healthy population. However, it is unknown the effect of BFR training on post-surgical and clinical populations. Furthermore, the optimal use of the BFR modality regarding resistance vs. no-resistance (bodyweight) is also unknown. This literature review adds new information to the field of BFR training specifically in the post-surgical and clinical populations. The objective of the study is to explore the validity and efficacy of blood-restriction training (BFR) in conjunction with low-load resistance training (LL-BFR) versus low-load training without BFR and high-load resistance training without BFR to determine which is superior for strength gains. Methods: The authors used SPORTDiscus, EBSCO, PubMed, and Science Direct to search for peer-reviewed articles. The articles chosen had the keywords/phrases “BFR,” “vascular occlusion,” “strength training,” “resistance training.” The studied emphasized patients with either clinical conditions (osteoarthritis) or musculoskeletal injuries (ACL reconstruction, total knee arthroplasty, knee arthroscopy). One hundred seventy-one articles were screened, and 17 articles reviewed. Results: BFR, in conjunction with low-load resistance training yields superior strength gains when compared to lowload training alone (p<.05). The outcome measures show a higher 1-rep max (isotonic strength) and greater muscle size (cross-sectional area, muscle mass, muscle volume) (p<.05). However, BFR with low-load resistance training does not yield superior strength gains in comparison to high-load resistance training alone (p<.03). Conclusion: As healthcare providers treating patients with musculoskeletal conditions, we know the importance of resistance training as a tool for rehabilitation and activities of daily living. However, at times heavy resistance training is contraindicated either due to joint instability/degeneration, pain, surgical restrictions. BFR training can be implemented with a 10-30% 1-rep max for comparable strength gains. This can be a potential tool used to offset post-surgical atrophy and atrophy due to arthralgia seen in certain systemic conditions. This can translate to better functional outcomes in post-surgical patients and superior quality of life in the geriatric population.