Effects Of Kaatsu Training On Haemostasis In Healthy Subjects

Abstract

The KAATSU training is performed under the reduction of muscle blood flow by a specially-designed belt (KAATSU belt), which induces blood pooling in capacitance vessels by restricting venous return. However, no prior studies have examined the effects of KAATSU training on haemostasis. PURPOSE: We investigated acute effects of KAATSU training on haemostasis including fibrinolytic responses under several conditions. in healthy subjects. METHODS: Two protocols have been performed. (1) 6 healthy men (mean age, 48 ± 5 yr) performed KAATSU (160 mmHg) of both thighs for 15 minutes and then KAASTU training combined with low-intensity leg and foot aerobic exercises for ∼10 minutes in hypobaric chamber, which mimics 8000 feet in airflight. (2) Another 7 men (mean age, 30 ± 4 yr) performed leg press exercises (30 % 1 RM) with and without KAATSU of both thighs 24 h after bed rest. Blood samples were taken at rest, immediately after KAATSU, and exercises with or without KAATSU, and after exercise. For the investigation of blood fibrinolysis, determinations of tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) activity or antigen, plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)-1 activity or antigen, fibrin degradation product (FDP) and D-dimer were used. Prothrombin time (PT) and platelet counts were also measured. RESULTS: (1) In hypobaric chamber, KAATSU by itself significantly increased tPA activity, while PAI-1 activity was unchanged. Furthermore, immediately after the exercise, tPA activity increased significantly. (2) During the exercises combined with KAATSU 24 h after bed rest, tPA antigen significantly increased, compared with control exercises, but PAI-1 antigen was unchanged. In both cases, KAATSU training did not induce fibrin formation as assessed by fibrin D-dimer and FDP. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that potentially favorable changes occur in fibrinolytic factors after KAATSU and KAATSU training in healthy subjects.