Restrição de fluxo sanguíneo de membros inferiores para idosos: parâmetros para a prescrição do método

Abstract

Blood flow restriction (BFR) training consists of applying external pressure to prevent venous return and reduce arterial flow, increasing muscle size and strength when combined with low-load resistance exercises. In the present study, a wide range of pressures were used for BFR in elderly individuals, applying a pressure based on an individual's systolic pressure or on a percentage of the occlusion pressure. The relationship between relative pressure and blood flow is not directly established. This study aimed to measure lower limb blood flow under relative BFR levels in elderly individuals. The research included the participation of 6 elderly individuals aged between 60 and 81 years. Analyses were performed on the lower limbs of the participants. When performing correlation analysis of the variables Insonation Pulse (mmHg) and Reperfusion Pulse (mmHg) with the variables Age (years), Leg circumference (cm), Total mass (g), Fat (g) and Lean mass (g), negative results were revealed (, with all coefficients below -0.12, indicating a weak negative correlation. The only exception was observed in the Leg circumference variable, which presented a more robust negative correlation, with a coefficient of r = -0.45, when correlated with the variables Insonation Pulse (mmHg) and, r = -0.42 when correlated with Reperfusion Pulse (mmHg). These findings require further studies with larger samples to validate these correlations. Personalization of the blood flow restriction (BFR) protocol is essential to optimize the benefits of training in the elderly..