Original Article

Age-Related Differences in Adaptation of Lean Body Mass, Muscle Strength, and Performance Following 6 Weeks of Blood Flow Restriction Training in Young and Older Adults

Julia K. Arnason^1,2, Amy M. Thomson^1,2, Logan E. Peskett^1,2, Dawson A. Nancekievill^1,2, Danielle R. Bouchard^1,2, Martin Sénéchal^1,2

1. Cardiometabolic Exercise & Lifestyle Laboratory, Canada
2. Faculty of Kinesiology, University of New Brunswick, Canada

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Keywords: Aging, Blood Flow Restriction Training, Body Composition, Lean Body Mass, Resistance Training

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Abstract

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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