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Published on: July 5, 2017
Age-Related Differences in Adaptation of Lean Body Mass, Muscle Strength, and Performance Following 6 Weeks of Blood
Julia K Arnason1,2, Amy M Thomson1,2, Logan E Peskett1,2
1Cardiometabolic Exercise & Lifestyle Laboratory, Canada.
Objectives:
The primary objective was to test the influence of age on lean body mass (LBM), muscle strength, and isokinetic performance adaptation following a 6-week blood-flow restriction training (BFRT) intervention.
Methods:
A total of 38 young adults (23.5±3.1) and 34 older adults (72.7±5.5) completed a 6-week BFRT program. Exercises were performed three times per week at 30% of 1-repetition maximums (1-RMs) and 60% of each limb's arterial occlusion pressure. Body composition was assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, muscle strength was measured using 1-RMs, and muscular performance was measured using an isokinetic dynamometer.
Results:
A significant increase in LBM was observed in young adults (0.9±1.5kg; p<0.001) but not in older adults (0.3±1.3kg; p>0.05) following the intervention. Both age groups significantly improved 1-RMs for knee extension, knee flexion, and chest press, with the young group displaying greater improvements (all ps<0.001). A significant increase in knee flexion torque and power was observed in young adults (all ps<0.001) but not in older adults, while a significant difference between groups was observed (p<0.05).
Conclusions:
The results from our study suggest that young adults improve LBM and muscle performance following 6-weeks of BFRT, while older adults enhance performance, despite a lack of improvement in LBM. Clinicaltrials.gov ID: NCT05615831.
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