Abstract

Resistance training with blood flow restriction using inflatable cuffs or elastic bands produces a partial occlusion of the vessels of the exercising muscles. Compared to high-intensity resistance training, blood flow restriction training markedly reduces the mechanical load, while causing a similar increase in muscle mass and strength. Thus, this method is an effective training protocol for people with disabilities. Recent studies have shown that blood flow restriction training has beneficial effects on glucose metabolism and promotes mitochondrial biogenesis. Therefore, it can be considered as a valuable alternative to exercise for people with metabolic syndrome, a disorder characterized by impaired glucose metabolism, decreased skeletal muscle mass and progressive sarcopenia. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the effect of low-intensity resistance training with blood flow restriction on the metabolic parameters in men with metabolic syndrome. Materials and methods. The study involved 45 non-exercising men (mean age 35.2 ± 6.4 years) with metabolic syndrome. The participants were divided into three groups: low-intensity resistance training with blood flow restriction; high-intensity resistance training without blood flow restriction; low-intensity resistance training without blood flow restriction. Before and after the training course (12 weeks), blood plasma levels of glucose, triglycerides and high-density lipoproteins were assessed, as well as systolic blood pressure, waist circumference and metabolic syndrome severity z-score. Results. A statistically significant (p ˂ 0.05) decrease in all parameters was found in the groups of low-intensity resistance training with blood flow restriction and high-intensity resistance training. In the group of low-intensity resistance training without blood flow restriction, no statistically significant changes were identified (p ˃ 0.05). Thus, the research found that low-intensity resistance training with blood flow restriction improves the metabolic profile of men with metabolic syndrome and can, therefore, be used to prevent and treat metabolic disorders.

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