KAATSU Training Research Articles

Acute Cardiovascular, Metabolic, and Muscular Responses to Blood Flow Restricted Rowing Exercise.

INTRODUCTION: Microgravity leads to a progressive loss in muscular strength, endurance, and aerobic capacity (Vo2peak). Blood flow restricted (BFR) exercise has been shown to elicit rapid gains in muscular strength and Vo2peak. Rowing exercise combined with BFR could be a supplemental countermeasure to maintain preflight muscle function and Vo2peak, especially within future space vehicles with restricted physical volume.METHODS: There were 20 men who completed 19 min of rowing exercise during CON or BFR in a randomized order. Exercise intensity for all sets was 30% of peak work load achieved during a separate incremental maximal exercise test. Kaatsu training cuffs were inflated around each leg during BFR. Muscle oxygen saturation (Smo₂) and heart rate (HR) were measured throughout exercise and rest. Rate of perceived exertion (RPE) and muscle activation, using surface electromyography (sEMG), were measured during the last 30 s of each exercise set. Blood pressure (BP) and whole blood lactate ([La-]b) were measured at rest and postexercise.RESULTS: Smo₂ declined significantly in BFR during exercise and rest by 13% and 14%, respectively. HR and RPE showed significant increases during BFR (120.5 ± 5.53 vs. 128.9 ± 9.86 bts · min-1) (9.8 ± 1.85 vs. 11.8 ± 1.88 arbitrary units). No differences were observed for BP, [La-]b, and sEMG.DISCUSSION: Findings indicate exercise intensity and cuff pressure elicited acute muscular, cardiovascular, and perceptual responses. BFR rowing exercise could be advantageous as an adjunct for future exercise countermeasures where aerobic and anaerobic exercise may be performed on one device or in limited physical space.Mahoney SJ, Dicks ND, Lyman KJ, Christensen BK, Hackney KJ. Acute cardiovascular, metabolic, and muscular responses to blood flow restricted rowing exercise. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2019; 90(5):440-446.

The Influence of Short-Term Occlusion on Dynamics of Arterial Circulation in Calf Muscles

Research background and hypothesis. KAATSU training is a method based on workout in a local hypoxic environment. For the justifi cation of its a detailed vascular response to circulatory disturbances is required.Research aim. The aim of this study was to investigate the peculiarities of reactive hyperaemia depending on the duration of occlusion and preliminary fi lling with blood of the occluded limb.Research methods. Arterial blood-fl ow intensity was measured by vein-occlusion plethysmography after 1, 2, and 3 minutes of occlusions. When the occlusion cuff was quickly infl ated with air above 250 mmHg, the amount of blood in vessels was close to the conditions of physiological norm. While the leg was lifted above the heart level for 30 seconds, the amount of blood in the calf decreased. A slow blowing the air into the cuff created a situation when the amount of blood in vessels had increased before the blood-fl ow was arrested. Research results. The peak blood-fl ow in the reactive hyperaemia phase depends on the duration of the occlusion and on the degree of fi lling with blood of segment under occlusion. The peak blood-fl ow readings were registered after occlusions conducted when the amount of blood in the limb had decreased before the occlusion and the lowest blood-fl ow readings was registered after occlusion done with the increased fi lling of vessels. Discussion and conclusions. The initial fi lling of vessels with blood or the degree of tension of endothelial cells of vascular wall is the most signifi cant infl uence on blood fl ow activation after short-term occlusions.Keywords: blood flow arrest, reactive hyperaemia, occlusion plethysmography.

PO-261 The acute and long-term effects of KAATSU downhill walking training on muscle growth

Objective As a new training method, KAATSU Training has become a popular training method because of its obvious training effect, short period and high safety. In this paper, the acute and long-term response of the KAATSU downhill walking Training is discussed to explore its effect on muscle growth, and to provide a theoretical basis for the scientific pressurization of athletes, rehabilitation groups and fitness groups.
 Methods (1) acute effects: 8 healthy male subjects received pressure and non-pressure slow downhill walking training at the same time and in good physical condition. Pressure in the pressure group was 240mmhg, and pressure bands were tied in the non-pressure group but no pressure. The downhill slope is 16%, the speed is 3km/h, and stride slow walk on the treadmill. Forearm venous blood was taken 15 minutes before training and 15 minutes after training. The concentration of growth hormone (GH), insulin (In), cortisol (C), blood testosterone (T), creatine kinase (CK) and UREA in blood samples were tested respectively. The fingertip blood lactate (Lac) was taken 2 minutes after training, and the subjects' subjective fatigue feelings (RPE) were recorded immediately after training. The changes of surface electromyography (EMG) during training were recorded, and changes of heart rate were recorded every 2 minutes. The thigh and calf circumference were measured before and after exercise.
 (2) long-term effects: 14 healthy male subjects were randomly divided into the experimental group (KAATSU group 240mmhg, n=8) and the control group (no KAATSU group, n=6), with a slope gradient of 16% and a speed of 3km/h. 2 weeks for 10 days from Monday to Friday. The first week of Monday and the second week of Friday is the same as the acute effects test. At other times, the circumference of the thigh and the calf before and after the training were measured, the heart rate and the subjective fatigue feeling immediately after the exercise were recorded.
 Results (1)The muscle circumference increased immediately after exercise in both groups. The change of thigh circumference after exercise in the KAATSU group was significantly higher than that in the non- KAATSU group (P<0.05).
 (2) There were no significant changes in growth hormone, insulin, cortisol, testosterone, creatine kinase and blood urea before and after exercise (P>0.05), and no changes in creatine kinase 24 hours after training.
 (3) The exercise heart rate of the pressure group was slightly higher than that of the control group ,and the surface electromyography of the KAATSU group was significantly higher than that of the non- KAATSU group (P<0.05).
 (4) There was no significant difference in subjective fatigue and blood lactic acid between the two groups (P>0.05).
 (5) After two weeks of KAATSU downhill training walking, the muscle circumference of the leg in the KAATSU group was significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0.05).
 Conclusions (1) One-time downhill walking training can increase muscle circumference and the KAATAU group was more obvious.
 (2) KAATSU downhill walking training can increase muscle without causing muscle damage.
 (3) KAATSU downhill walking training can collect more muscle fiber.
 (4) Under the KAATSU downhill walking training, the concentration of lactic acid is low, the subjective feeling is easy. The heart rate is slightly higher than the quiet level, which will not cause fatigue and will not affect the blood sugar level.
 (5)Long-term KAATSU downhill walking training can promote muscle growth.

Effect of Kaatsu Training on Some Special Physical Variables and Performance of Some Motor Skills on Parallel Bars

Effect of Kaatsu Training on Some Special Physical Variables and Performance of Some Motor Skills on Parallel Bars

Effect of Kaatsu Training on Some Special Physical Variables and Performance of Some Motor Skills on Parallel Bars

Effect of Kaatsu Training on Some Special Physical Variables and Performance of Some Motor Skills on Parallel Bars

Effects of blood flow restriction exercises on bone metabolism: a systematic review.

This study analysed the effect of low-intensity (LI) exercises with blood flow restriction (BFR) on bone metabolism compared with high-intensity (HI) exercises without BFR. The following databases were searched using the keywords therapeutic occlusion training OR BFR training OR vascular occlusion training OR KAATSU training OR ischaemia training AND osteogenesis OR bone biomarkers OR bone metabolic marker OR bone mass OR bone turnover OR osteoporosis OR osteopenia: PubMed, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL, Science Direct, Cochrane and Google Scholar. Two researchers, independently and blindly, selected the studies based on established inclusion and exclusion criteria. Electronic and manual searches located 170 articles published in English; after screening, only four studies showed that BFR training increases the expression of bone formation markers (e.g. bone-specific alkaline phosphatase) and decreases bone resorption markers (e.g. the amino-terminal telopeptides of type I collagen) after both aerobic and anaerobic exercise across several populations. The results of this study show that few studies have confirmed the positive effect of exercise with BFR on bone metabolism, formation and resorption. Furthermore, no methodological standardization of the samples, exercise type, intervention frequency or duration was observed.

Combination of KAATSU training<sup>®</sup> and BCAA intake for a patient after aortic valve replacement surgery

Combination of KAATSU training<sup>®</sup> and BCAA intake for a patient after aortic valve replacement surgery

Strength training with vascular occlusion: a review of possible adaptive mechanisms

Strength training with blood flow restriction, or KAATSU training, has been shown to be as effective as conventional strength training to promote muscular strength and hypertrophy. Several mechanisms have been suggested as hypotheses to explain the adaptations arising from this training method. Among these is metabolic stress, which exerts important physiological effects and may influence the training adaptations in question. In addition, hypoxia produced by the technique may change the neural recruitment pattern. Growth hormone (GH) concentrations increase as a result of practicing this method, which can trigger an increase in plasmatic and, perhaps, muscular insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) concentrations. The increase in concentrations of these factors can play a leading role in responses to KAATSU training. Among the effects of the GH/IGF-1 axis in muscle cells is the increase in the signalling pathway activity of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), which has been associated with increased protein synthesis. On the other hand, the decrease in the activity of the myostatin pathway, which has an antagonistic effect to mTOR, has been demonstrated after training with occlusion. Other factors, such as increases in the expression of heat shock proteins, may play an important role in adaptations to exercise. Nitric oxide synthase could increase nitric oxide concentration, which in turn has an effect on satellite cells and blood flow. However, despite the results obtained, the transfer to other situations (e.g. speed sports) is not yet clear.

Use and safety of KAATSU training: Results of a national survey in 2016

Use and safety of KAATSU training: Results of a national survey in 2016

Effect of KAATSU training on thigh muscle size and safety for a patient with knee meniscectomy over 3 years

Effect of KAATSU training on thigh muscle size and safety for a patient with knee meniscectomy over 3 years

KAATSU training as a new effective exercise therapy in a case of femoral medial condyle osteonecrosis

KAATSU training as a new effective exercise therapy in a case of femoral medial condyle osteonecrosis

Blood flow restriction training and the exercise pressor reflex: a call for concern.

Blood flow restriction (BFR) training (also known as Kaatsu training) is an increasingly common practice employed during resistance exercise by athletes attempting to enhance skeletal muscle mass and strength. During BFR training, blood flow to the exercising muscle is mechanically restricted by placing flexible pressurizing cuffs around the active limb proximal to the working muscle. This maneuver results in the accumulation of metabolites (e.g., protons and lactic acid) in the muscle interstitium that increase muscle force and promote muscle growth. Therefore, the premise of BFR training is to simulate and receive the benefits of high-intensity resistance exercise while merely performing low-intensity resistance exercise. This technique has also been purported to provide health benefits to the elderly, individuals recovering from joint injuries, and patients undergoing cardiac rehabilitation. Since the seminal work of Alam and Smirk in the 1930s, it has been well established that reductions in blood flow to exercising muscle engage the exercise pressor reflex (EPR), a reflex that significantly contributes to the autonomic cardiovascular response to exercise. However, the EPR and its likely contribution to the BFR-mediated cardiovascular response to exercise is glaringly missing from the scientific literature. Inasmuch as the EPR has been shown to generate exaggerated increases in sympathetic nerve activity in disease states such as hypertension (HTN), heart failure (HF), and peripheral artery disease (PAD), concerns are raised that BFR training can be used safely for the rehabilitation of patients with cardiovascular disease, as has been suggested. Abnormal BFR-induced and EPR-mediated cardiovascular complications generated during exercise could precipitate adverse cardiovascular or cerebrovascular events (e.g., cardiac arrhythmia, myocardial infarction, stroke and sudden cardiac death). Moreover, although altered EPR function in HTN, HF, and PAD underlies our concern for the widespread implementation of BFR, use of this training mechanism may also have negative consequences in the absence of disease. That is, even normal, healthy individuals performing resistance training exercise with BFR are potentially at increased risk for deleterious cardiovascular events. This review provides a brief yet detailed overview of the mechanisms underlying the autonomic cardiovascular response to exercise with BFR. A more complete understanding of the consequences of BFR training is needed before this technique is passively explored by the layman athlete or prescribed by a health care professional.

Kaatsu training to enhance physical function of older adults with knee osteoarthritis: Design of a randomized controlled trial

As the U.S. population ages, efficacious interventions are needed to manage pain and maintain physical function among older adults with osteoarthritis (OA). Skeletal muscle weakness is a primary contributory factor to pain and functional decline among persons with OA, thus interventions are needed that improve muscle strength. High-load resistance exercise is the best-known method of improving muscle strength; however high-compressive loads commonly induce significant joint pain among persons with OA. Thus interventions with low-compressive loads are needed which improve muscle strength while limiting joint stress. This study is investigating the potential of an innovative training paradigm, known as Kaatsu, for this purpose. Kaatsu involves performing low-load exercise while externally-applied compression partially restricts blood flow to the active skeletal muscle. The objective of this randomized, single-masked pilot trial is to evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of chronic Kaatsu training for improving skeletal muscle strength and physical function among older adults. Participants aged≥60years with physical limitations and symptomatic knee OA will be randomly assigned to engage in a 3-month intervention of either (1) center-based, moderate-load resistance training, or (2) Kaatsu training matched for overall workload. Study dependent outcomes include the change in 1) knee extensor strength, 2) objective measures of physical function, and 3) subjective measures of physical function and pain. This study will provide novel information regarding the therapeutic potential of Kaatsu training while also informing about the long-term clinical viability of the paradigm by evaluating participant safety, discomfort, and willingness to continually engage in the intervention.

KAATSU training<sup>®</sup> as a new exercise therapy for femoral head avascular necrosis: A case study

KAATSU training<sup>®</sup> as a new exercise therapy for femoral head avascular necrosis: A case study

A pediatric case with an unstabilized neck treated with skeletal muscle electrical stimulation and KAATSU training®

[Objectives] In recent years, a larger percentage of children qualify as physically or mentally challenged (challenged children, hereafter) and neck stabilization is a major issue in this population. We performed belt electrode skeletal muscle electrical stimulation (B-SES) in combination with KAATSU training, in a severely challenged child with lissencephaly to investigate treatment safety and how this might be effective in achieving neck stabilization. We present our results below.[Methods] A patient with lissencephaly was treated twice a week for 15 weeks with B-SES and KAATSU training on an outpatient basis. Using the growth and development stage and Ushijimaʼs (1996) neck stabilization evaluation criteria for children with Severe Motor and Intellectual Disabilities, we assessed our patient based on recorded videos.[Results] In a challenged child with severe motor developmental delay who was unable to take part in voluntary training, upper body KAATSU training with B-SES led to increased muscle tone and improved neck stabilization.[Conclusions] B-SES with KAATSU training may be an effective treatment for children with severe physical and mental challenges who lack signs of neck stabilization. However, it will be necessary to study this treatment in a larger number of cases using more assessment methods in the future.

Three cases of disuse syndrome patients who improved by KAATSU training®

[Objective]To determine the effects of KAATSU training on disuse syndrome.[Methods]A 6- to 12-minute KAATSU training session consisting of three different motions was implemented in 3 patients using a KAATSU training instrument manufactured by Sato Sports Plaza Co., Ltd. twice weekly for 2 to 4 months. Muscle mass, muscular strength, and physical performance were evaluated using a bioelectrical impedance analyzer, a grip dynamometer, and the Timed UP and Go test (TUG test), respectively, before and after KAATSU training. Growth hormone (GH) levels were measured in 2 patients.[Results]After KAATSU training, muscle mass increased in all 3 patients, by 12%, 4.5%, and 3.3%, respectively; grip strength also increased in all 3 patients by 6%, 50%, and 8.3%, respectively. Although TUG time shortened in 1 patient, TUG test was discontinued in the other 2 patients because of knee pain or a fall during measurement. The GH levels rose 5 and 10 fold in the 2 patients measured, compared with the levels obtained before KAATSU training.[Conclusion]KAATSU training ensures early muscle strengthening, and is expected to be valuable for the prevention and treatment of not only disuse syndrome, but also sarcopenia.

Análise das repercussões hemodinâmicas e vasculares do treinamento Kaatsu

Introdução: O método de treinamento Kaatsu tem como objetivo a indução da hipertrofia muscular. Objetivos: Investigar os diferentes protocolos utilizados na realização do treinamento Kaatsu e analisar as possíveis repercussões hemodinâmicas e vasculares provocadas pelo método. Métodos: Para tanto, foi realizada uma revisão sistemática da literatura na biblioteca virtual do SciELO e no Google Acadêmico, por meio dos descritores: treinamento resistido, oclusão vascular, trombose, Kaatsu, repercussões hemodinâmicas. Resultados: Foram encontrados apenas oito artigos que descreviam o protocolo de treinamento utilizado na citada técnica. Os principais resultados encontrados, após o treino com oclusão, foram aumento da força muscular e área de secção transversa. Conclusão: Ao mesmo tempo em que o método Kaatsu é referido como capaz de proporcionar hipertrofia muscular, estudos demonstram que nesse treinamento há maior risco para o desenvolvimento de tromboses venosas, insuficiência cardíaca congestiva e doenças hematológicas.

AB0799 Blood flow restriction: the future of musculoskeletal rehabilitation?

BackgroundMusculoskeletal disease has a significant burden on the health of the population, with loss of strength and function a common consequence. Rehabilitation using isometric resistance training is a widely established...

Modified Kaatsu Training

Although Kaatsu training involves low training loads, high perceived exertion and pain scores suggest that potential benefits may be offset by poor adherence or tolerance, particularly if applied in untrained or clinical populations. The purpose of this study was to investigate muscle adaptations, perceived exertion ratings, perceived sensations, and exercise adherence to a modified Kaatsu training protocol involving upper arm exercise. Forty subjects ages 18-30 yr were assigned to exercise (EX) or nonexercise control (CON) groups. The EX group performed three sets of 15 repetitions of unilateral biceps and triceps exercises, three times per week for 8 wk while wearing a pneumatic cuff to restrict blood flow on one arm (CUFF) and nothing on the other (NCUFF). The CON group did not exercise but wore the cuff on one arm for a comparable amount of time. Strength, girth, tomography scans along with RPE, and sensations during workouts were assessed. Perceived exertion and sensations were assessed during workouts using visual analog scales. Biceps curl and triceps extension strength along with arm size increased during the 8-wk period when compared with the CON group. Compliance was 85.4% and 97% for the EX and CON groups, respectively. EX subjects completed 85.4% of their workouts, whereas controls attended 90.4% of their sessions. The prominent sensations reported in the CUFF arm were pressure and aching. The Kaatsu training used in this study yielded moderate exertion ratings and low-pressure sensations, increased muscle size and strength, and was well tolerated, thereby lending support to Kaatsu training's potential as a training modality for untrained or clinical populations.

Low-intensity kaatsu resistance exercises using an elastic band enhance muscle activation in patients with cardiovascular diseases

Muscle wasting results from sarcopenia due to aging and from cachexia caused by diseases such as chronic heart failure (CHF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cancer, chronic kidney disease and other diseases (Thomas 2007). Above all, CHF is a disease of remarkable muscle wasting, and preventing it by exercise training is important. Nakajima et al. (2010) recently reported that low-intensity kaatsu resistance exercises safely increase the muscle strength/mass and endurance capacity in patients with ischemic heart disease. Kaatsu training using a low-intensity resistance exercise appears to be a promising and useful resistance method for cardiac rehabilitation. According to the American College of Sports Medicine guidelines, the conditions for inducing muscle hypertrophy and increasing muscle mass are as follows: (1) More than 65-70% work load of one repetition maximum (1-RM) is needed. (2) Three to four sets until exhaustion. (3) Frequency is two-three times per week. However, such high-intensity loads cannot be applied to patients with diseases, especially to patients with cardiovascular diseases and to elderly patients. In the past decade, several studies have reported that muscle hypertrophy can be produced with low-intensity (20–30% 1-RM) kaatsu training, regardless of age (Takarada et al. 2000; Abe et al. 2006; Fujita et al. 2007). As this type of exercise does not require lifting heavy weights, it might be a feasible method for cardiac rehabilitation requiring resistance exercise (Pollock et al. 2000; Balady et al. 2007). As an elastic band is inexpensive, compact, and easy to use compared with machines/free weights, elastic band resistance training is feasible for use in homebased training programs for older subjects or for patients with a lower level of activity (Zion et al. 2003; Ribeiro et al. 2009; Colado et al. 2010). We examined the effects of low-intensity kaatsu exercise using an elastic band for resistance on muscle activation in patients with cardiovascular diseases.