Blood Flow Restriction Training in Acute Geriatric Rehabilitation

Background: Older adults have a reduced ability to build and maintain muscle mass due to age-related changes in the muscular system. The resulting sarcopenia can lead to a number of health problems and limitations, such as an increased risk of falling and reduced mobility, which can affect quality of life and increase the risk of disease. To increase muscle mass and strength, high-intensity resistance training with loads of 70 to 85% of the repetition maximum (1RM) is recommended. However, this type of training poses a major challenge in the rehabilitation sector, as there is also an increased risk of injury due to physical limitations in old age. According to current research, low-intensity occlusion training could therefore represent a safe and effective training alternative. The aim of this study is therefore to examine the feasibility and effects of blood flow restriction training (BFR) on general health in older adults in a rehabilitative setting.