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Effects of blood flow restriction combined with low-load resistance training on obstacle-crossing performance and
Zhengbin Li1, Yang Liu1, Fei Gao1
1College of Human Movement Science, Jilin Sport University, Changchun, China.
Background:
Obstacle crossing is a demanding locomotor task for older adults and may be particularly sensitive to training-related changes in lower-limb function and balance-related performance. This study compared the effects of blood flow restriction combined with low-load resistance training (BFR-LLRT) and low-load resistance training alone (LLRT) on obstacle-crossing performance, neuromuscular activation, and balance-related outcomes in older adults.
Methods:
Forty community-dwelling older adults aged 60 years or above were randomly assigned to an LLRT group or a BFR-LLRT group and completed an 8-week intervention. Before and after training, participants were assessed for lower-limb muscle activation using surface electromyography, balance performance using computerized dynamic posturography, and obstacle-crossing characteristics using three-dimensional motion capture.
Results:
Both groups showed changes or improvements in selected neuromuscular, obstacle-crossing, and balance-related outcomes after training. Compared with LLRT alone, BFR-LLRT was associated with a greater increase in ankle co-activation before heel strike, a greater increase in trailing-limb toe clearance, and a larger increase in crossing velocity. Leading-limb toe clearance increased significantly in both groups, but the group × time interaction did not reach statistical significance. In balance testing, BFR-LLRT was associated with greater improvements in selected mediolateral rhythmic weight-shift conditions. However, weight-bearing symmetry showed angle-dependent and mixed responses: asymmetry increased at 30° and 60° knee flexion in the BFR-LLRT group, indicating poorer symmetry at these angles, whereas symmetry improved at 90°.
Conclusion:
BFR-LLRT may provide additional benefits over LLRT alone for selected aspects of laboratory-based, task-specific lower-limb function in older adults, particularly during more demanding components of obstacle crossing and dynamic balance control.
