Abstract
Blood flow restriction training (BFRT) is a new method for promoting muscle growth and improving muscle function, even with relatively low-intensity exercise. BFRT on patients with obesity has not been extensively studied. This study aimed to analyze the effects of cycling at 40% of maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) combined with BFRT on body composition and serum biomarkers among college students with obesity. This pilot study included thirty-seven male college students with obesity aged 18–22 years (experimental group (EG): n = 18; control group (CG): n = 19). The EG conducted 40% VO2max cycling combined with BFRT activities and the CG conducted 40% VO2max cycling without BFRT two times per week for 12 weeks. Our results showed that in EG, there were significant differences in weight, thigh skinfold thickness (TS), waist circumference, abdominal skinfold thickness, fat mass, body fat percentage, body mass index and glucose (GLU), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels before and after the experiment (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, and p < 0.001). After the experiment, TS, GLU, TC, HDL-C, and LDL-C in EG were significantly different than those of the CG (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, and p < 0.001). Together, our results demonstrate that cycling at 40% VO2max combined with BFRT may improve body composition and blood lipid profile of male college students with obesity. Our findings have important implications for those who cannot perform moderate- and high-intensity exercises.
Highlights
Blood flow restriction training (BFRT) is a complementary exercise that is based on using a specific compression device combined with general exercise
In the control group (CG), there were no significant differences in all indicators before and after the intervention (Table 3)
In the EG group, GLU, total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) decreased significantly compared with the CG group (p < 0.05)
Summary
Blood flow restriction training (BFRT) is a complementary exercise that is based on using a specific compression device combined with general exercise It induces muscle ischemia in the distal limbs through pressure and is a new method for promoting muscle growth and improving muscle function, even with relatively low-intensity exercise [1]. This method, originally developed by Dr Yoshiaki Sato in Japan, trains the muscles using specialized, pressurized equipment called KAATSU. Time-saving, and effective features, BFRT is a popular technique It is mainly used for sports training, mass fitness, and rehabilitation. Fitness centers, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers in Japan and the United States are currently offering BFRT [1,2]
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