Restricted Flow Research Articles

Why blood flow restriction cuff features are an important methodological consideration- a short commentary on “cerebral cortex activation and functional connectivity during low-load resistance training with blood flow restriction: an fNIRS study”

Why blood flow restriction cuff features are an important methodological consideration- a short commentary on “cerebral cortex activation and functional connectivity during low-load resistance training with blood flow restriction: an fNIRS study”

Daily blood flow restriction does not affect muscle fiber capillarization and satellite cell content during two weeks of bed rest in healthy young men.

The present study assessed whether single-leg daily blood flow restriction (BFR) treatment attenuates the decline in muscle fiber size, capillarization, and satellite cell (SC) content during 2 weeks of bed rest in healthy, young men. Twelve healthy, young men (age: 24±3 y; BMI: 23.7±3.1 kg/m2) were subjected to 2 weeks of bed rest, during which one leg was exposed to three times daily 5 min of BFR, whereas the contralateral leg received sham treatment (CON). Muscle biopsies were obtained from the M. vastus lateralis from both the BFR and CON leg before and immediately after the 2 weeks of bed rest. Type I and II muscle fiber size, myonuclear content, capillarization, and SC content were assessed by immunohistochemistry. No significant decline in either type I or type II muscle fiber size were observed following bedrest, with no differences between the CON and BFR leg (P>0.05). Type I muscle fiber capillary density increased in response to bed rest in both legs (P<0.05), while other muscle fiber capillarization measures remained unaltered. SC content decreased in both type I (from 7.4±3.2 to 5.9±2.7 per 100 fibers) and type II (from 7.2±3.4 to 6.5±3.2 per 100 fibers) muscle fibers (main effect of time P=0.018), with no significant differences between the BFR and CON leg (P>0.05). In conclusion, two weeks of bed rest has no effect on muscle capillarization, decrease the SC content and daily BFR treatment does not affect skeletal muscle fiber size and SC content in healthy, young men.

The Effect of Combined Exercises with and Without Blood Flow Restriction and Vitamin D Supplementation on Serum Levels of Alkaline Phosphatase in Elderly Women: A Randomized Clinical Trial Study

The Effect of Combined Exercises with and Without Blood Flow Restriction and Vitamin D Supplementation on Serum Levels of Alkaline Phosphatase in Elderly Women: A Randomized Clinical Trial Study

Can blood flow restriction therapy improve quality of life and function in dissatisfied knee arthroplasty patients?

Approximately 10% to 20% of knee arthroplasty patients are not satisfied with the result, while a clear indication for revision surgery might not be present. Therapeutic options for these patients, who often lack adequate quadriceps strength, are limited. Therefore, the primary aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical effect of a novel rehabilitation protocol that combines low-load resistance training (LL-RT) with blood flow restriction (BFR). Between May 2022 and March 2024, we enrolled 45 dissatisfied knee arthroplasty patients who lacked any clear indication for revision to this prospective cohort study. All patients were at least six months post-surgery and had undergone conventional physiotherapy previously. The patients participated in a supervised LL-RT combined with BFR in 18 sessions. Primary assessments included the following patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs): Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS); Knee Society Score: satisfaction (KSSs); the EuroQol five-dimension five-level questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L); and the pain catastrophizing scale (PCS). Functionality was assessed using the six-minute walk Test (6MWT) and the 30-second chair stand test (30CST). Follow-up timepoints were at baseline, six weeks, three months, and six months after the start. Six weeks of BFR with LL-RT improved all the PROMs except the sports subscale of the KOOS compared to baseline. Highest improvements after six weeks were found for quality of life (QoL) (mean 28.2 (SD 17.2) vs 19 (SD 14.7); p = 0.002), activities of daily living (mean 54.7 (SD 18.7) vs 42.9 (SD 17.3); p < 0.001), and KSSs (mean 17.1 (SD 8.8) vs 12.8 (SD 6.7); p < 0.001). PROMs improvements continued to be present at three-month and six-month follow-up compared to baseline. However, no significant differences were observed in the paired comparisons of the six-week, three-month, and six-month follow-up. The same trends are observed for the 6MWT and 30CST. The reported regime demonstrates improved QoL and function of dissatisfied knee arthroplasty patients. In light of this, the pathway described may provide a valuable and safe treatment option for dissatisfied knee arthroplasty patients for whom therapeutic options are limited.

Decoupling of redox processes from soil saturation in Arctic tundra

Permafrost thaw in warming Arctic landscapes alters hydrology and saturation-driven biogeochemical processes. Models assume that aerobic respiration occurs in drained soils while saturated soils support methanogenesis; however, saturated soils maintain redox gradients that host a range of anaerobic metabolisms. We evaluated how redox potential and redox-active solutes vary with soil moisture in the active layer of permafrost-affected acidic and non-acidic tundra hillslopes. Oxidizing conditions persisted in highly permeable organic horizons of both unsaturated tussock tundra and saturated wet sedge meadows. Redox potential decreased with depth in all soils as increasing soil bulk density restricted groundwater flow and oxygen diffusion. High concentrations of dissolved iron, phosphate, and organic carbon coincided with redox boundaries below the soil surface in acidic tundra, indicating active iron redox cycling and potential release of adsorbed phosphate during iron (oxyhydr)oxide dissolution. In non-acidic tundra, weatherable minerals affected nutrient dynamics more than redox-driven iron cycling, especially in low-lying, saturated areas where thaw reached mineral soils. The role of thaw depth and the ability of saturated soils to maintain oxidizing conditions in organic surface layers highlight the importance of soil physical properties and hydrology in predicting biogeochemical processes and greenhouse gas emissions.

Boys vs men differences in muscular fatigue, muscle and cerebral oxygenation during maximal effort isometric contractions: the effect of muscle blood flow restriction.

To examine whether the children's superiority, over adults, to resist fatigue during repeated maximal-efforts depends on their often-cited oxidative advantage, attributed to greater muscle blood flow and O2-delivery. We also investigated the mechanisms underlying child-adult differences in muscle-oxygenation (due to O2-supply or O2-utilization) and examined if there are age-differences in cerebral-oxygenation response (a brain-activation index). Eleven men (23.3 ± 1.8yrs) and eleven boys (11.6 ± 1.1yrs) performed 15 maximal-effort handgrips (3-s contraction/3-s rest) under two conditions: free-flow circulation (FF) and arterial-occlusion (OCC). Force, muscle-oxygenation (TSImuscle) and cerebral-oxygenation (oxyhemoglobin-O2Hbcerebral; total hemoglobin-tHbcerebral; deoxyhemoglobin-HHbcerebral) were assessed. In boys, force declined less (-26.3 ± 2.6 vs. -34.4 ± 2.4%) and at slower rate (-1.56 ± 0.16 vs. -2.24 ± 0.17%·rep-1) vs. men in FF (p < 0.01-0.05; d = 0.60-1.24). However, in OCC there were no age-differences in the magnitude (-38.3 ± 3.0 vs. -37.8 ± 3.0%) and rate (-2.44 ± 0.26 vs. -2.54 ± 0.26%·rep-1) of force decline. Boys compared to men, exhibited less TSImuscle decline in both protocols, and lower muscle VO2 (p < 0.05). Boys, also, presented a smaller O2Hbcerebral and tHbcerebral rise than men in FF; exercising with OCC increased the O2Hbcerebral and tHbcerebral response in boys. Using MVIC as a covariate in FF condition, abolished boys-men differences in force and TSImuscle decline and O2Hbcerebral rise. During repeated maximal-efforts: (i) blood flow is a significant contributor to children's superiority over adults to resist fatigue; (ii) age-difference in muscle hypoxia/deoxygenation is rather attributed to men's greater metabolic demand than to lower muscle-perfusion; and (iii) cerebral oxygenation/blood volume increase more in men than boys under free circulation, implying greater brain activation.

Derivation of fractured rock hybrid analytical equation for estimation of groundwater inflow into mine pit using major fault trigonometry

ABSTRACT In hydrogeology, equations describing exchange flux in sedimentary systems mainly focus on the geometry of the streambed–aquifer system and parameters. However, groundwater flow in fractured crystalline basement and volcanic rocks, which are mainly characterized by restricted flow, receives little attention in groundwater flow equations, possibly due to a lack of appropriate data. This study develops an analytical equation to estimate groundwater inflow into mine pits in volcanic rock, addressing a significant knowledge gap in the literature. The equation was validated through a case study evaluation at the Nsuta Mine, where it accurately estimated groundwater inflow into the pit. Results indicate that estimated inflow at the current pit floor level (−60 MSL) is 38 710 m3/day, which is close to the actual dewatering rate of 39 794 m3/day (error percentage of 2.8%). The study also projects groundwater inflow at a deeper pit level (−200 MSL) to be 82 400 m3/day with a corresponding flux of 0.331 m/day.

Effectiveness of heat source/sink and Lorentz force constraints in a non-Newtonian peristaltic arterial blood hybrid nanofluid past an overlapping stenotic artery

Recently a considerable amount of attention has been directed towards the technological advancements in the study of arterial stenosis. The deposition of adipose tissues and saturated fatty acids and the abnormal growth of flesh, narrows the arteries, leading to restricted blood flow. This causes cardiovascular diseases like atherosclerosis, atherogenesis, atheroma, etc. Considering this the present research paper develops a Casson fluid model to investigate magnetohydrodynamic peristaltic transport of the passage of blood through slightly stenosed arteries due to the influence of copper (Cu) and alumina (Al2O3) nanoparticles. The problem is formulated using appropriate mathematical models employing non-dimensional parameters and stenosis approximations. The study has its applications in the field of medicine. The outcome of this work is that it helps to handle many heart conditions. The findings of this investigation may have benefits in various academic fields, including pharmaceuticals and other industries. In addition, they are remarkably beneficial in the treatment of numerous cardiovascular diseases.

The effect of low-intensity resistance training with practical blood flow restriction (pBFR) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on thickness, strength and electrical activity of biceps brachii muscle in healthy men

The effect of low-intensity resistance training with practical blood flow restriction (pBFR) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on thickness, strength and electrical activity of biceps brachii muscle in healthy men

Investigating the Influence of Limb Blood Flow on Contraction-Induced Muscle Growth and the Impact of that Growth on Changes in Maximal Strength.

Changes in skeletal muscle size may be affected by resting blood flow (e.g., nutrient delivery) and this change in size is a hypothesized mechanism for changes in strength. To determine: 1) whether the relationship between isometric training and muscle growth depends on baseline blood flow or is mediated by a change in blood flow and 2) whether muscle growth mediates changes in maximal isometric strength. 179 participants were randomized into: low-intensity isometric handgrip exercise (LI), low-intensity isometric handgrip exercise with blood flow restriction (LI-BFR), maximal handgrip exercise (MAX), and a non-exercise control (CONTROL). Muscle thickness, strength, and resting limb blood flow were measured before and after the six-week intervention. Baseline blood flow did not moderate training effects on muscle thickness changes (MTHchg) (p = 0.666), and moderated mediation tests were non-significant. Although the LI-BFR group showed a significant effect on MTHchg (p = 0.018), MTHchg was not significantly related to handgrip strength change (HGchg) (p = 0.281), suggesting no mediation of the training-to-strength effect by MTHchg. Both the LI-BFR (p = 0.004) and MAX (p < 0.001) groups exhibited positive direct effects on HGchg compared to CONTROL. Furthermore, there were no differences between training groups and CONTROL on blood flow change (BFchg), BFchg and MTHchg were not significantly related, and neither BFchg nor MTHchg predicted HGchg, providing no evidence for mediated pathways. Muscle growth may not have occurred to an extent that would require vascular adaptation. Training maximally induced the greatest strength adaptations but was seemingly not driven by muscle growth.

Heterogeneous long-term and seasonal brine evolution, and Artemia fecal pellet controls on Urmia Lake (NW Iran) salt-crust formation and mineralogy

ABSTRACT Urmia Lake resides as a substantial hypersaline lake characterized by notable fluctuations in water salinity, brine composition, and water level over long-term, annual, and seasonal intervals. Extremely rapid water elevation fall (&amp;gt; 7 m) in the last three decades has caused the formation of a salt crust on the lake floor. A manmade stone causeway divided the lake into two relatively deeper northern parts with minimal water inputs and a shallower southern part with maximal river inflows. Restricted water flow through the narrow water passage of the causeway leads to complex salinity processes, brine evolution, and salt-crust formation in Urmia Lake. This research analyzes the ionic composition of lake-sediment and salt-crust pore water, the mineralogy of salt crusts, and the ionic composition of both surface and deep lake waters during both the wet and dry seasons of 2019. The findings indicate that the northern and southern parts of the lake undergo stratification during wet seasons due to significant freshwater input, whereas they become homogenized during dry seasons through progressive evaporative concentration and water mixing. The spatial and temporal variations in the lake brine type (primary Na-Mg-Cl) and ionic composition contribute to the formation of a halite salt crust (NaCl &amp;gt; 97%) with heterogeneous mineralogy and thickness. In Urmia Lake, the variable thickness and mineralogy of the exposed marginal salt crust suggest rapid salt-crust reorganization by annual and seasonal deposition and dissolution processes. Conversely, the submerged central salt crust, with continuous thickening and constant mineralogy, remains unaffected by seasonal variations in brine type and dissolution processes. It is noteworthy to mention that Artemia (a brine shrimp) controls the mineralogy of the lake salt crust through the deposition of calcium and carbonate ions in the form of biochemical fecal pellets.

Effect of blood flow restriction training on insulin resistance in men with metabolic syndrome: a randomized controlled trial

Introduction. Metabolic syndrome is defined as a pathological condition characterized by abdominal obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and impaired glucose tolerance. Insulin resistance is hypothesized to underlie metabolic syndrome. Modern studies, including Mendelian randomization, have demonstrated that muscle strength and muscle mass may play an important role in the mechanisms of insulin resistance. Aim. To establish the relationship between relative upper limb muscle strength and triglyceride/glucose index, and to evaluate the effects of different resistance exercise regimens on alternative measures of insulin resistance in men with metabolic syndrome. Materials and methods. At the first stage of the study, 216 men aged from 25 to 50 years were examined. The relative muscle strength of the upper limbs in the bench press exercise and the triglyceride/glucose index were assessed. At the second stage, a randomized controlled trial was conducted, for which 60 men who met the criteria for metabolic syndrome. Men with metabolic syndrome were divided into three groups: low-intensity strength training with blood flow restriction (n = 20), high-intensity strength training (n = 20), low-intensity strength training without blood flow restriction (n = 20). Training was carried out 2 times a week for 12 weeks. Before and after the study, the triglycerides/glucose index, the ratio of triglycerides to high-density lipoproteins, and the combination of the triglycerides/glucose index with body mass index were assessed. Results and discussion. It was found that the relative muscle strength of the upper limbs was inversely proportional to the triglycerides/glucose index (r = –0.52; p 0.05) in the examined men. After 12 weeks of resistance training, statistically significant reductions in triglyceride/glucose index, triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein ratio, and triglyceride/glucose index/body mass index combination were found for the low-intensity resistance training with blood flow restriction and high-intensity resistance training groups (both, p 0,01). Changes in body composition, an increase in the proportion of muscle fibers I and IIa and a decrease in the proportion of muscle fibers IIx, an increase in the activity of glucose transporters, and a decrease in systemic inflammation are the main potential mechanisms for the beneficial effects of resistance training, including in combination with blood flow restriction, on insulin resistance in men with metabolic syndrome. Conclusion. There is an inverse relationship between muscle strength and triglycerides/glucose index; resistance training is an effective and safe tool for reducing alternative indicators of insulin resistance and can be included in comprehensive correction programs for men with metabolic syndrome.

Combining practical blood flow restriction with elastic band resistance training neither affects strength nor muscle thickness in young males

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of eight weeks of elastic band resistance training (EBRT) program associated with practical blood flow restriction (BFR) on muscle strength and hypertrophy. Fourteen physically active male participated in an eight-week upper limbs EBRT program, with one limb under BFR and the other with free blood flow (EBRT+BFR). Bilateral and unilateral elbow flexion exercises were performed three times a week, with three sets of 15 repetitions in each upper limb. Blood flow restriction was produced by an extensive band, implementing the pressure stipulated at 25% of the resting upper arm circumference. Significant main effect for time was found in elbow flexors muscle thickness measured with ultrasound to both training conditions, but no significant interactions in the time x group were identified. Relative strength gains measure with a dynamometer were -0.5 ± 10.2 % and 0.5 ± 12.1 % in the arms trained with EBRT and EBRT+BFR, respectively. The relative gains in elbow flexor muscle thickness were 1.8 ± 6.2 % with EBRT training and 5.5 ± 6.7 % in EBRT+BFR (both p &gt; .05). In conclusion, applying BFR to an EBRT was not superior at increasing upper limb muscular strength or hypertrophy in young adults compared to EBRT alone.

Effect of blood flow restriction training on the explosive power of lower limbs in taekwondo athletes during kicking

Objective: This paper aims to explore the effectiveness of blood flow restriction training (BFRT) on the lower extremity explosive power of Taekwondo athletes when they kick. Methods: Twenty Taekwondo athletes were randomly divided into BFRT and resistance training (RT) groups. The two groups underwent BFRT and RT for eight weeks, respectively. Indicators such as thigh and calf circumferences and countermovement jump (CMJ) performance were tested and compared. Results: In the pre-test, p &gt; 0.05 was found between the two groups. In the post-test, the left/right thigh circumferences of the BFRT group were 54.56 ± 3.21 cm and 54.37 ± 3.37 cm, respectively, and p &lt; 0.05 compared with the pre-test results and the RT group; however, no remarkable difference were observed between the RT group and pre-test results. The CMJ and static squat jump (SJ) scores in the BFRT group were 42.33 ± 7.84 m and 39.36 ± 7.52 m, respectively, and p &lt; 0.05 compared with the pre-test and the RT group; however, there was no remarkable difference between the RT group and the pre-test results. In the BFRT group, the performance of 10 s in-situ double chop kick was 27.64 ± 1.51 times, and the performance of 10 s high turning kick was 19.87 ± 1.65 times (p &lt; 0.05 compared with the pre-test results and the RT group); p &lt; 0.05 when comparing the post-test results with the pre-test results in the RT group, but the increasing amplitude was lower than that in the BFRT group. The performance of the 10 s in-situ left/right middle turning kick was 16.12 ± 1.37 times and 18.09 ± 1.98 times in the BFRT group, and p &lt; 0.05 compared with the pre-test results and the RT group; however, no remarkable difference were found between the RT group and the pre-test results. Conclusion: BFRT can effectively improve the lower extremity explosive power of taekwondo athletes during kicking, and the effect is superior to traditional RT.

Effectiveness of low-load resistance training with blood flow restriction vs. conventional high-intensity resistance training in older people diagnosed with sarcopenia: a randomized controlled trial

Low-load resistance training with blood flow restriction (LRT-BFR) has shown potential to improve muscle strength and mass in different populations; however, there remains limited evidence in sarcopenic people diagnosed with sarcopenia criteria. This study systematically compared the effectiveness of LRT-BFR and conventional high-intensity resistance training (CRT) on clinical muscle outcomes (muscle mass, strength and performance), cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and sarcopenia-related biomarkers of older people with sarcopenia. Twenty-one older individuals (aged 65 years and older) diagnosed with sarcopenia were randomly assigned to the LRT-BFR (20%–30% one-repetition maximum (1RM), n = 10) or CRT (60%–70% 1RM, n = 11) group. Both groups underwent a supervised exercise program three times a week for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was knee extensor strength (KES), and the secondary outcomes included body composition (body mass, body mass index and body fat percentage), muscle mass [appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI)], handgrip strength, physical performance [short physical performance battery (SPPB) and 6-m walk], CVD risk factors [hemodynamic parameters (systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate (SBP, DBP and HR)) and lipid parameters (total cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein)], sarcopenia-related blood biomarkers [inflammatory biomarkers, hormones (growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1) and growth factors (myostatin and follistatin)] and quality of life [Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36)]. Both interventions remarkably improved the body composition, KES, 6-m walk, SBP, HDL, TG, GH, FST and SF-36 scores. CRT significantly improved the ASMI (p < 0.05) and SPPB (p < 0.05). A significant improvement in HR was observed only after LRT-BFR. No significant between-group differences were found before and after the interventions. This study suggested that LRT-BFR and CRT are beneficial to the clinical muscle outcomes, CVD risk factors and certain sarcopenia-related biomarkers of older people with sarcopenia. By comparison, CRT seems more effective in improving muscle mass, while LRT-BFR may be more beneficial for improving cardiovascular health in this population. Therefore, LRT-BFR is a potential alternative to CRT for aging sarcopenia.

Stiffness of elastic cuffs affects physiological and perceptual responses but not motor performance fatigue during low external load resistance exercise with practical blood flow restriction

ABSTRACT Practical blood flow restriction (pBFR), using non-pneumatic elastic cuffs, is a feasible and cost-effective alternative to pneumatic systems. There is evidence that cuff stiffness influences haemodynamic and perceptual responses in the upper body during rest. However, the impact of cuff stiffness during exercise is still unknown. Therefore, this study investigated the influence of cuff stiffness on physiological, perceptual, and performance changes during exercise. In a randomized and counterbalanced order, ten recreationally active males performed four sets of unilateral elbow flexions at 20% of individuals’ one-repetition-maximum with two elastic cuffs of different stiffness (low stiffness cuff [LS] and high stiffness cuff [HS]) each applied with two different overlaps (10% and 20% overlap in relation to the limb circumference) as well as a control condition without pBFR. Before and after exercise, maximal voluntary isometric contraction torque was measured to assess motor performance fatigue. During exercise, muscle oxygen saturation of the biceps brachii as well as effort and exercise-induced muscle pain perception were recorded. Statistical analysis revealed that motor performance fatigue was not different between conditions (BF10 = 0.289). The decline in muscle oxygen saturation (BF10 = 8.508 and BF10 = 1039.543) as well as effort (BF10 = 2646.104 and BF10 = 2.773∙106) and exercise-induced muscle pain perception (BF10 = 14087.983 and BF10 = 7.306∙109) were higher when using the stiffer cuff at 10% and 20% overlap, respectively. Conclusively, physiological and perceptual responses but not motor performance fatigue were affected by cuff stiffness when equal relative overlaps were applied.

Abstract 4129523: MicroRNA-1282 Rescues Diabetic Limb Ischemia Via a SERF2-Protein Aggregation Pathway

Introduction: Patients with diabetes are at higher risk of chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI), a severe form of peripheral artery disease (PAD) causing restricted blood flow to the lower limbs due, in part, to impaired angiogenesis. However, the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in diabetic CLTI remains poorly understood. By integrating plasma miRNA sequencing data from PAD patients with diabetes with a diabetic CLTI mouse model, we have recently identified the conserved miRNA miR-1282 that is in cis-antisense orientation to SERF2, a gene associated with amyloid aggregation. Therefore, we hypothesize that miR-1282 orchestrates endothelial angiogenesis and proteostasis during diabetic CLTI. Methods: Using miR-1282 overexpression or SERF2 knockdown studies, we characterized mouse orthologs of human miR-1282 and SERF2 for angiogenesis, apoptosis, protein aggregation, and oxidative stress in diabetic mouse skeletal muscle endothelial cells (ECs). In vivo, miR-1282 mimics were delivered intramuscularly to assess their impact on blood flow recovery, angiogenesis, and protein aggregation. Mechanistic insights in ECs were gained via RNA-seq, predictive algorithms, and proteomic analyses. Results: miR-1282 inhibited the expression of its cis-antisense target SERF2 by 98%. miR-1282 is a hypoxia-induced endothelial-enriched miRNA, and its expression was inversely correlated with SERF2 expression. miR-1282 levels were markedly reduced after femoral artery ligation (FAL) in diabetic db/db mice. Overexpression of miR-1282 or SERF2 knockdown enhanced angiogenesis and reduced protein aggregation, apoptosis, and oxidative stress in both normal and hypoxic conditions in vitro. Delivery of miR-1282 mimics in db/db mice improved blood flow recovery by 108% and angiogenesis by 98%, and reduced protein aggregation by 48% and tissue necrosis. Coupling RNA-seq profiling and prediction algorithms of ECs upon miR-1282 overexpression or SERF2 knockdown revealed EREG, BAG5, CASP3, ARG1, and HSP90AA1 as potential downstream regulators. Pathway enrichment analysis implicated inhibition of endothelial apoptosis, ER stress, and protein stability among the most dysregulated processes. Conclusion: A novel mouse ortholog of human miR-1282 augments endothelial functions and diminishes protein aggregation in diabetic CLTI via suppression of its cis-antisense target SERF2. These findings uncover new potential therapeutic targets in treating diabetic CLTI.

Impact of limb occlusion pressure assessment position on performance, cardiovascular, and perceptual responses in blood flow restricted low-load resistance exercise: A randomized crossover trial

ABSTRACT This study investigated the effect of limb occlusion pressure (LOP) position on exercise performance, cardiovascular responses, and perceptual experiences during seated bilateral leg extensions with and without blood flow restriction (BFR). Thirty resistance-trained males (age: 22 ± 2 years; weight: 74.4 ± 13.6 kg; height: 177.4 ± 6.4 cm; BMI: 23.5 ± 3.3 kg/m2) participated. Each performed exercise to failure (4 sets, 30% 1RM, 1 min rest) in three conditions: Supine LOP-BFR, Seated LOP-BFR, and no-BFR. BFR was applied at 60% LOP. Significant interaction effects were found for RPE (p = 0.021, d = 0.76), RPD (p < 0.01, d = 1.72), and DOMS (p < 0.01, d = 2.28). Statistically significant fewer repetitions were completed in Supine LOP-BFR vs. no-BFR (p < 0.01, d = 0.5), Seated LOP-BFR vs. no-BFR (p < 0.01, d = 1.0), and Seated LOP-BFR vs. Supine LOP-BFR (p < 0.01, d = 0.6). RPE was higher in Seated LOP-BFR vs. no-BFR (p < 0.01, d = 0.52). RPD was higher in Supine LOP-BFR vs. no-BFR (p < 0.01, d = 0.62) and Seated LOP-BFR vs. no-BFR (p < 0.01, d = 1.25). DOMS was higher in Supine LOP-BFR vs. no-BFR (p < 0.01, d = 0.77) and Seated LOP-BFR vs. no-BFR (p < 0.01, d = 3.52). Seated LOP-BFR increased perceptual demands and reduced repetitions compared to Supine LOP-BFR. Both LOP-BFR conditions reduced repetitions compared to no-BFR without affecting cardiovascular measures.

Impact of Exercise on the Course of Dermatomyositis: A Narrative Review of Recent Studies

Introduction and Purpose: Dermatomyositis (DM) is a rare autoimmune inflammatory myopathy characterized by muscle weakness and distinctive skin manifestations, impacting both children and adults. This narrative review aims to examine the latest studies assessing the impact of physical activity on the course of dermatomyositis and determine which forms of exercise are beneficial for DM patients. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using the PubMed and Google Scholar databases, focusing on articles published between 2018 and 2024. State of Knowledge: The review identified consistent evidence supporting the safety and efficacy of exercise in DM patients. Exercise regimens, including resistance, aerobic, and stretching exercises, were found to improve muscle strength, aerobic capacity, and metabolic functions without increasing disease activity. Novel exercise approaches, such as blood flow restriction training and aquatic plyometric exercises, also showed promising results. However, the heterogeneity of the trials and small sample sizes highlight the need for larger, more diverse cohorts and long-term studies Summary: The findings underscore the potential of structured exercise programs to enhance muscle strength, aerobic capacity, and overall physical function in DM patients. These improvements are achieved without exacerbating disease activity, highlighting the safety of exercise interventions. The review emphasizes the importance of incorporating physical activity into treatment plans for DM, advocating for personalized exercise prescriptions tailored to the unique inflammatory nature of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM).

Go with the Flow? Considerations for Blood Flow Restriction Training in People with Neurologic Conditions.

Blood flow restriction training (BFRT) with low intensity resistance or aerobic exercise can improve muscle strength and aerobic capacity, respectively. Furthermore, low intensity BFRT with resistance or aerobic exercise can be as effective as training at higher intensities without BFR in healthy adult populations. The clinical use of BFRT is therefore becoming increasingly common, particularly in otherwise healthy adults recovering from musculoskeletal injury or orthopedic surgery, for whom training at high intensities is not indicated. People with neurologic conditions may also benefit from training at lower intensities, as many individuals with neurologic conditions may not tolerate higher intensities for a variety of reasons, including advanced mobility restrictions, extreme weakness, severe fatigue, and/or pain. Indeed, more and more rehabilitation clinicians are beginning to use BFRT with their patients who have neurologic conditions even though there is very little evidence to support its safety, feasibility, or efficacy in those populations. In this perspective, we propose that BFRT can be an important alternative to conventional exercise training approaches for some individuals with neurologic conditions, and in the right circumstances can be delivered both safely and effectively. This perspective will also provide considerations and decision-making strategies that can help inform clinical decisions for rehabilitation practitioners considering the use of BFRT in their patients with neurologic conditions.