KAATSU-walk training increases serum bone-specific alkaline phosphatase in young men

Abstract

Previous research has shown that high intensity resistance training causes increases in bone density and increases in serum measures of bone turnover like bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP). Medium intensity or low intensity training (like walking) does not result in these changes. However, low intensity training with blood flow restriction (KAATSU) has shown promise in bone and muscle rehabilitation settings. We hypothesized that there would be increases in serum BAP following low intensity KAATSU walk training. Healthy men walked on a treadmill twice per day (at least 4 hours between sessions) for 3 weeks with (KAATSU; n=9) or without (Control; n=9) blood flow occlusion pressure belts on their thighs. After three weeks of training, the KAATSU group experienced significant increases in MRI-measured muscle CSA (P<0.01), 1-RM muscle strength (P<0.01), and serum BAP levels (P<0.05). Percent change in BAP was 10.8% for the KAATSU-walk and 0.3% for the Control-walk. There was no significant change in serum IGF-1 for either group. We conclude that 3 weeks KAATSU walk training increases BAP, a serum marker of bone turnover.