KAATSU Training Research Articles

IMPACT OF BLOOD FLOW RESTRICTION TRAINING AS A SUPPLEMENTAL REHABILITATION TECHNIQUE IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC ANKLE INSTABILITY: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Background and purpose: This literature review objective is to appraise the outcome of the Impact of blood flow restriction training as a supplemental rehabilitation technique for chronic ankle instability patients. Methods: This literature review constitutes the articles which were published in 2017-2023. The evidence search was performed on Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, Pedro database and Cochrane Library. Results: According to 20 studies included in our review shows that BFR training has been useful in increasing muscle strength and hypertrophy; there was increased production of ATP in muscle mitochondria & Increased VO2 max along with other neuro-myogenic factors, which indicate increased adaptations post-injury. Conclusion: This literature review, according to selective studies, demonstrates that the addition of BFR in conventional rehabilitation resulted in increased muscle adaptations like strength and hypertrophy, along with increased balance and tissue remodelling and decreased pain perception, which could be beneficial in the treatment of ankle dysfunction. Keywords: Blood Flow Restriction Training, Occlusion Training, KAATSU Training, Chronic Ankle Instability, Muscle Adaptations.

KAATSU Training and Pain Relief

KAATSU Training and Pain Relief

The impact of kaatsu training on the efficiency of some physical and physiological variables of volleyball players

The impact of kaatsu training on the efficiency of some physical and physiological variables of volleyball players

Effects of whole-body vibration training combined with KAATSU training on lower limb joint muscle strength in older women.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of whole-body vibration training (WBVT) combined with KAATSU training (KT) on lower limb joint muscle strength and to provide a reference for improving muscle strength in older women. Methods: A total of 86 healthy older people was randomly divided into WBVT group (WG, n = 21), KT group (KG, n = 22), combined intervention group (CIG, n = 20) and control group (CG, n = 23). WG and CIG subjects underwent WBVT, and KG and CIG subjects underwent 150mmHg and lower limb joint and local compression intervention for 16 weeks (three times per week, about 15min/time). The peak torque (PT) and endurance ratio (ER) of joint flexion or extension were tested for all subjects. Results: 1) Results at 16weeks were compared with the baseline data. The knee extension and ankle flexion PT (60°/s) in CIG increased by 14.3% and 15.3%, respectively (p < 0.05). The knee extension PT (180°/s) increased by 16.9, 18.4% and 33.3% in WG, KG and CIG (p < 0.05), respectively, and the ankle extension PT (180°/s) in CIG increased by 31.1% (p < 0.05). The hip, knee extension and ankle flexion ER increased by 10.0, 10.9% and 5.7% in CIG (p < 0.05), respectively. 2) Results were compared among groups at 16 weeks. The relative changes were significantly lower in WG, KG and CG compared to CIG in the knee extension and ankle flexion PT (60°/s) (p < 0.05). The relative changes were significantly greater in WG, KG and CIG compared to CG in the knee extension PT (180°/s) (p < 0.05). The relative changes were significantly lower in WG, KG and CG compared to CIG in the ankle extension PT (180°/s) (p < 0.05). The relative changes were significantly lower in WG, KG and CG compared to CIG in the hip extension ER (p < 0.05). The relative changes were significantly lower in CG compared to CIG in the knee extension ER (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Sixteen-week WBVT and KT increased the knee extensor strength in older women. Compared with a single intervention, the combined intervention had better improvements in the knee extensor and ankle flexor and extensor strength and hip extension muscle endurance. Appears to be some additional benefit from combined intervention above those derived from single-interventions.

The Effect Of 6-week Squat Jump With Kaatsu Training On Lower Limb Power Of Young Men

The Effect Of 6-week Squat Jump With Kaatsu Training On Lower Limb Power Of Young Men

Resistance Training with Blood Flow Restriction and Ocular Health: A Brief Review.

Despite the many health benefits of resistance training, it has been suggested that high-intensity resistance exercise is associated with acute increases in intraocular pressure which is a significant risk factor for the development of glaucomatous optic nerve damage. Therefore, resistance training using a variety of forms (e.g., resistance bands, free weights, weight machines, and bodyweight) may be harmful to patients with or at risk of glaucoma. An appropriate solution for such people may involve the combination of resistance training and blood flow restriction (BFR). During the last decade, the BFR (a.k.a. occlusion or KAATSU training) method has drawn great interest among health and sports professionals because of the possibility for individuals to improve various areas of fitness and performance at lower exercise intensities. In comparison to studies evaluating the efficiency of BFR in terms of physical performance and body composition changes, there is still a paucity of empirical studies concerning safety, especially regarding ocular health. Although the use of BFR during resistance training seems feasible for glaucoma patients or those at risk of glaucoma, some issues must be investigated and resolved. Therefore, this review provides an overview of the available scientific data describing the influence of resistance training combined with BFR on ocular physiology and points to further directions of research.

Fortalecimento do quadríceps através do método Kaatsu Training em mulheres com dor femoropatelar

ABSTRACT This is a cross-sectional, comparative, and randomized study aimed to evaluate the effects of the partial vascular occlusion technique (Kaatsu Training) associated with low load exercises in the muscle strengthening of quadriceps in women with patellofemoral pain. We evaluated 18 women with patellofemoral pain, aged from 18 to 35 years, allocated into two groups. The experimental group performed the strengthening with blood flow reduction with the aid of a sphygmomanometer, associated with low load (≅20% RM). Whereas the control group performed exercises with the same load, but without blood flow reduction. The treatment was performed three times a week for six weeks, totaling 18 sessions. We used the numerical pain rating scale (NPRS) and the anterior knee pain scale (AKPS) questionnaire for evaluation; we evaluated the muscle strength of knee extensors by the digital dynamometer. The results showed that the partial vascular occlusion technique significantly improved the values of quadriceps strength gain in the right, 6.22kg (p=0.03) and left limb, 6.98kg (p=0.04), in women with patellofemoral pain. Therefore, training with partial vascular occlusion can be useful for strengthening of the knee extensor musculature in women with patellofemoral pain who, because of the pain, have low tolerance to high load exercises for muscle strengthening. An effective, safe and cost-effective technique, which does not require an investment in a leg extension machine, since, with a cuff, low load exercises can offer significant results.

Quadriceps strengthening by the Kaatsu Training method in women with patellofemoral pain

RESUMO Este é um estudo transversal, comparativo e randomizado, cujo objetivo foi avaliar os efeitos da técnica de oclusão vascular parcial (Kaatsu Training) associada a exercícios de baixa carga no fortalecimento muscular de quadríceps em mulheres com dor femoropatelar. Foram avaliadas 18 mulheres com dor femoropatelar, com idade entre 18 e 35 anos, que foram alocadas em dois grupos. O grupo experimental realizou fortalecimento com redução do fluxo sanguíneo por meio de um esfigmomanômetro, associado com baixa carga (≅20% RM). Enquanto o grupo-controle realizou exercícios com a mesma carga, porém sem redução do fluxo sanguíneo. O tratamento foi realizado três vezes na semana, em um período de seis semanas, totalizando 18 sessões. Para avaliação foram utilizadas a escala numérica de avaliação da dor (NPRS) e o questionário anterior knee pain scale (AKPS); a força muscular de extensores do joelho foi avaliada através do dinamômetro digital. Os resultados mostraram que a técnica de oclusão vascular parcial provocou melhorias significativas nos valores de ganho de força do quadríceps no membro direito, 6,22kg (p=0,03), e esquerdo, 6,98kg (p=0,04), em mulheres com dor femoropatelar. Portanto, treinamento com oclusão vascular parcial pode ser uma alternativa útil para ganho de força da musculatura extensora do joelho em mulheres com dor femoropatelar que, devido à dor, tenham baixa tolerância a exercícios de alta carga para fortalecimento muscular, sendo uma técnica eficaz, segura e com boa relação de custo-benefício, não necessitando a compra de uma cadeira extensora, uma vez que utilizando um manguito é possível obter resultados significativos associados a exercícios de baixa carga.

The effects of Kaatsu training on an acute angiogenic response in post-interventional rehabilitation of peripheral arterial disease patients

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Atherosclerosis as the main cause of death in adults is one of the greatest challenges of modern medicine. Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a condition with worldwide increasing occurrence affecting more than 20% of Europeans and North Americans in the age group&amp;gt; 55 years, and in the group&amp;gt; 70 years of age affects as much as 60% of the population. Among many treatment forms the endovascular treatment remains the most common treatment method, however the most non-invasive, but still effective is rehabilitation by physical training. Recently, innovative solutions have been introduced concerning this form of treatment by combining anaerobic interval exercises with venous blood flow restriction (BFR) and cooling. Purpose The aim of the research is to evaluate the endothelial and angiogenic response to the aforementioned type of exercise. Methods Study was divided into 2 stages: with healthy volunteers and non-CLI patients. 35 healthy volunteers were enrolled into the 1st stage. They performed a 21-minute interval training using a cross trainer with cooling liquid pressure cuffs (arms: 40 mmHg; legs: 65 mmHg) providing vein occlusion and cooling seat. Angiogenic processes and endothelial functions were monitored by laboratory parameters - vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), clusters of differentiation (CD31, CD34) as well as imaging examinations – flow mediated dilatation (FMD), stiffness index (SI), reflexion index (RI), reactive hyperaemia index (RHI) and augmentation index (AI). All measurements were performed before, as well as 20 to 30 minutes after the training. Results All of the laboratory parameters were significantly elevated after the BFRT- CD34 (ΔCD34: 0.13 vs 0.01 p &amp;lt; 0,001), CD31 (ΔCD31: 1.11 vs 0.37 p &amp;lt; 0,001) and VEGFR (ΔVEGFR: 6.35 vs 2.86 p &amp;lt; 0.001).Only FMD and RI of all endothelial imaging parametrs significantly changed after BFRT compared to regular training (FMD: 8.9% vs 7.41 p &amp;lt; 0,001 ΔFMD: 2.89 vs 1.33 p &amp;lt; 0,01; RI: 63.43 vs 69.49 p &amp;lt; 0,001, ΔRI: 4.0 vs 2.0, p &amp;gt; 0,001). RHI and AI weren’t significantly influenced by any exercise type. Conclusions BFR training successfully stimulates acute angiogenic response and moderately influences certain endothelial functions. This 1st stage results are being now implemented into the 2nd part of project involving PAD patients.

Influence of blood flow restriction training on the aerobic capacity: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Blood flow restriction training (also known as KAATSU training) uses professional equipment to apply pressure to the base of the limbs to limit the blood flow at the distal end of the limbs during exercise, thereby stimulating muscle growth and improving muscle strength with a low exercise intensity. This study aimed to conduct a meta-analysis on the effects of blood flow restriction training on aerobic capacity. Methods: A systematic review and quantitative evidence synthesis (QES) was used to examine the effects of blood flow restriction training on the aerobic capacity. A literature search was performed on relevant databases. Search engines used were MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science, SPORT-Discus, CINHAL, ScienceDirect, and the Cochrane Library. Search terms were KAATSU training, blood flow restriction training, and occlusion training. Thirteen articles (a total sample size of 246 participants) fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included. Results: Blood flow restriction training promoted the improvement in aerobic capacity (standard mean difference (SMD) = 0.40, 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.14–0.66), I2 = 0%, p &lt; 0.01), showing no publication bias. In subgroup analysis, intervention methods, and intervention frequencies had different effects on aerobic capacity. Conclusions: Blood flow restriction training, which is a low intensity exercise, significantly affected aerobic capacity. Twelve blood flow restriction training sessions a week achieved significantly better results than a frequency of two to four training sessions per week. A daily blood flow restriction training session of 6 to 30 min significantly improved aerobic capacity.

Amputated Upper/Lower Limb Rehabilitation: Application of KAATSU Training

Amputated Upper/Lower Limb Rehabilitation: Application of KAATSU Training

Effect of differentarterial occlusion pressure and intermittent mode on KAATSU-loaded deep-squat exercise on the characteristics of thigh muscle activation

Objective: To investigate the effect of different arterial occlusion pressure and intermittent time on KAATSU-loaded deep-squat exercise on the characteristics of thigh muscle activation, find out the suitable relative value of personal blood pressure limit causing the maximum activation, and to provide some theoretical basis and practical reference for athletes to carry on the KAATSU Training scientifically. Methods: Ten elite male players were recruited, four kinds of external pressure condition with 0% arterial occlusion pressure (AOP), 40%AOP, 50%AOP, 60%AOP, respectively, were performed with 30%1RM(One repetition maximum)intensity of intermittent and continuous KAASTU-loaded deep-squat exercise. Wave plus wireless surface electromyography instrument was used to collect the surface EMG signals of the lower thigh muscle group. Root mean square (RMS) calculation was used to estimate muscle activity level. The normalized RMS values of the anterior thigh group and posterior thigh group were calculated by RMS of MVC, two-factor ANOVA analysis of variance were used to explore the effect of the activation of various muscle on external express and intermittent mode, to analyze the discrepancy during different external pressure. Results: ①A two-factor analysis of variance showed that different %AOP had significant effect on the normalized values of RMS of muscle measured by KAATSU deep-squat exercise(P＜0.05), but intermittent mode had no significant effect on the standard value of RMS of muscle(P＞0.05). The interaction of external pressure and intermittent mode on muscle RMS was not significant(P＞0.05); ②The normalized RMS values of Rectus Femoris, Vastus Medialis, Vastus Lateralis, Biceps Femoris, Semitendinosus were significantly increased (P＜0.05)in 50% AOP pressure condition during intermittent and continuous exercise; ③ The normalized RMS values of RF and VL were significantly increased(P＜0.05)in 50% AOP pressure condition during intermittent and continuous exercise. The %MVC values of Vastus Medialis and Semitendinosus were significantly increased(P＜0.05)in 60% AOP pressure condition during intermittent exercise. Conclusion: This study further verified that 50% AOP pressure can significantly improve the optimal activation quadriceps and posterior thigh groups and produce the best training effect for the high level handball players. It can not only promote the coordinated development of the agonist and antagonist, but also avoid overloading and prevent hamstring injury. At the same time, the intermittent mode is recommended to adopt the decompression intermittent mode.

Effect of Resistance Exercise with Blood Flow Restriction on Peripheral Oxygen Saturation and Cardiovascular Stress in Untrained Diabetic Women: A Cross and Randomized Study

This study aimed to analyze the effects of high-load (HL) resistance exercise (RE), low-load (LL) RE, and LL RE with blood flow restriction (LL + BFR) in peripheral oxygen saturation level (SpO2), heart rate (HR), and double product (DP: HR × systolic blood pressure [SBP]) in untrained women with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Ten untrained women with T2DM (Age = 56.9 ± 7.4 years; BMI = 27.2 ± 4.2 kg/m2; and Diagnostic time = 10.6 ± 4.1 years) participated in this study. Participants attended a local gym for four non-consecutive days. During the first visit, arterial occlusion pressure (AOP) and predictive values of one maximum repetition (1RM) for knee extension exercise (KE) were assessed. The second, third, and fourth visits were randomly assigned to the following: HL RE (~65% of predicted 1RM in 3 sets of 10 repetitions), LL RE (~20% of predicted 1RM in 3 sets of 15 repetitions), and LL + BFR RE (~20% of predicted 1RM in 3 sets of 15 repetitions; 50% of AOP). HR, SBP e SpO2 were assessed before and immediately after each protocol. All protocols significantly increased the analyzed variables (p ≤ 0.05). There were no significant differences in hemodynamic responses between the protocols (p > 0.05). Therefore, resistance exercise with BFR seems to promote cardiovascular responses similar to traditional low and high load resistance exercise protocols in untrained diabetic women. Keywords: Double Product, Heart Rate, Ischemia, Hemodynamics, Kaatsu training, Resistance Training, Therapeutic Occlusion. Read more →

The Effects of KAATSU Training on an Acute Angiogenic Response in Post-Interventional Rehabilitation of Peripheral Arterial Disease Patients

The KAATSU training is a unique method of muscle training with restricting venous blood flow, which might be applied to treat a peripheral artery disease (PAD). The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of a blood flow restricted training on the endothelial and angiogenic response.

Effects of low-intensity resistance KAATSU training on respiratory and circulatory dynamics in healthy young men

Effects of low-intensity resistance KAATSU training on respiratory and circulatory dynamics in healthy young men

KAATSU training improves the femoris quadriceps muscle brightness in postoperative patients with valvular heart disease

KAATSU training improves the femoris quadriceps muscle brightness in postoperative patients with valvular heart disease

Abstract 14927: Effects of Low Intensity Resistance Exercise Under Kaatsu Condition on Skeletal Muscle Size and Its Safety inCardiovascular Surgery Patients

Introduction: Surgery for cardiovascular disease is often accompanied by sarcopenia and physical frailty, and improvement of muscle mass, muscle strength, and ADL, is often difficult only with cardiac rehabilitation using aerobic exercise. The resistance training under moderately restricted muscle blood flow, named as KAATSU, induces muscle hypertrophy and strengthens muscle through low intensity exercise. However, it remains uninvestigated whether KAATSU resistance training using low intensity load (KAATSU-RE) increases muscle strength, and induces hypertrophy in patients early after cardiovascular surgery. Hypothesis: To investigate the effects of KAATSU-RE on skeletal muscle strength, hypertrophy and its safety in patients early after cardiovascular surgery. Methods: Nine patients early after cardiac surgery were included in this study (seven males, age 54 ± 18 years, BMI 23.0 ± 3.7 kg/m 2 , AVR 5 cases, MVP 3, Bentall operation 1). The patients performed leg extension exercise (20~30% 1RM) under KAATSU condition two times/week for three months. Training started after 200 m walking early after the operation. Skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) was evaluated using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). The anterior mid-thigh thickness (MTH) was measured using B mode transverse ultrasound images. Physical functions (isometric knee extension peak torque, handgrip strength, and walking speed) were also measured at three points, i.e. baseline (before operation), ~7 days early after operation, and ~3 months after the training. Results: SMI and MTH decreased significantly from 7 ± 1.1, and 2.5 ± 0.4 cm preoperatively to 6.7 ± 1.0, and 2.2 ± 0.3 cm approximately 1 week after surgery. Approximately 3 months after the training, they increased significantly to 7.6 ± 0.8 and 3 ± 0.4 cm. During the rehabilitation period, hemodynamic deterioration and side effects including subcutaneous hemorrhage were not observed, and all the patients completely finished the study. Conclusions: These results suggest that KAATSU training safely increased muscle mass in patients in the early perioperative period of cardiovascular surgery. KAATSU training appears to be a promising and effective method for cardiac rehabilitation in patients with cardiovascular surgery.

The blood flow restriction training effect in knee osteoarthritis people: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective: To synthesize evidence on the effects of blood flow restriction (BFR) comparing with high (HLT) and low load (LLT), and on the influence of different forms of application in individuals with knee osteoarthritis. Data sources: The CENTRAL, PEDro, PubMed and BVS, which include Lilacs, Medline and SciELO, until April 2020. Review methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials used the PRISMA guidelines, whose main keywords were: Therapeutic Occlusion, Resistance Training, and Knee Osteoarthritie, blood flow restriction and Kaatsu training. Method quality was evaluated with the PEDro scale. When studies demonstrated homogeneity on outcome measures, the mean differences or standardized mean differences with 95% confidence interval were calculated and pooled in a meta-analysis for pooled synthesis. Results: Five articles were eligible in this review with moderate to low risk bias. Our results, showed no difference between BFR and HLT in knee strength (SMD = 0.00, 95% CI, –0.54 to 0.54, P = 1.00), function (SMD = −0.20, 95% CI, –0.45 to 0.06, P = 0.13), pain and volume. But, when compared BFR and LLT, the descriptive analysis demonstrated significant results in favor BFR to muscle strength (71.4% of measurement) and volume (MD = 1.66, 95% CI, 0.93 to 2.38, P < 0.00001), but not in pain or function. Conclusion: BFR can be used as a strategy in the rehabilitation of osteoarthritis due to gains in strength and volume with low mechanical stress. However, its application must be safe and individualized, since they can attenuate the stimuli offered by BFR.

Aplicabilidade do treinamento com oclusão vascular para incremento de hipertrofia e força muscular: estudo de revisão

Atualmente, diversas evidências demonstram que a prática do treinamento resistido (TR) promove hipertrofia e aumento da força muscular com cargas (kg) entre 30-80% de 1 repetição máxima (1RM). Contudo, apesar do método de treinamento com oclusão vascular (TOV) e cargas baixas ser amplamente utilizado com estas finalidades, a sua eficiência não está totalmente consolidada. Portanto, o objetivo do estudo foi verificar os efeitos do treinamento com oclusão vascular sobre a hipertrofia e força muscular. Como método foi realizado uma revisão de literatura, nas bases de dado Pubmed, LILACS e Scielo com as seguintes palavras-chave: treinamento de oclusão, Kaatsu training, oclusão vascular, treinamento resistido, blood flow restriction, Kaatsu training, resistance training. Foram incluídos artigos disponíveis em língua portuguesa e inglesa entre os anos de 2000 à 2020. Os resultados demonstraram que o método de TOV é eficiente para aumentar a hipertrofia e força muscular em diferentes populações/situações utilizando cargas baixas. Além disso, as alterações fisiológicas inerentes da oclusão vascular são eficientes na reabilitação e/ou manutenção da massa muscular durante períodos de imobilização ou incapacidade de mover o membro. Contudo, o treinamento deve ser prescrito levando em consideração a especificidade do indivíduo afim de evitar possíveis efeitos adversos.

The Effects of Resistance Exercise With Blood Flow Restriction on Flow-Mediated Dilation and Arterial Stiffness in Elderly People With Low Gait Speed: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

BackgroundDuring aging, a significant loss of muscle mass, strength, and power is associated with a decline in daily functional capacities. Traditionally, resistance training is prescribed to prevent or reverse the skeletal muscle weakness, but the required training intensity may be too demanding for older people with poor physical performance. Resistance exercise with blood flow moderation (KAATSU training), originally developed in Japan, combines resistance exercise with blood flow restriction. It has been reported that KAATSU training enhances muscle hypertrophy in many populations. However, few studies have evaluated the effects of resistance exercises with blood flow restriction in elderly people and how this affects vascular structure and function.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate (1) the acute and chronic effects of resistance exercise with blood flow restriction on vascular health in elderly people with low gait speed and (2) whether low-load resistance training with blood flow restriction elicits similar strength and gait speed gains to those elicited by conventional resistance training without blood flow restriction.MethodsThis is an ongoing randomized controlled trial in elderly people with low gait speed. Overall, two study arms of 13 participants each perform resistance exercise with and without blood flow restriction. The 2 groups are as follows: the control group will perform conventional resistance exercise (60% of 1 repetition maximum) and the KAATSU group will perform the low-load resistance exercise with blood flow restriction (20% of 1 repetition maximum) for 12 weeks. Pulse wave velocity, venous occlusion plethysmography, and flow-mediated dilation are used to assess arterial stiffness, muscle blood flow, and endothelial function, respectively. The secondary outcomes are gait speed, strength, and quality of life. All measures will be performed before and after the training program.ResultsThis research study is in progress. Recruitment has started, and data collection is expected to finish in August 2020.ConclusionsThe findings of this study will have important implications for the rehabilitation of elderly people.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT03272737; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03272737International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)DERR1-10.2196/14691