Changes in Some Fitness Factors, Testosterone, and Cortisol Following Combined Exercise with and Without Blood Flow Restriction in Older Men

Considering the importance of maintaining and promoting the health of the elderly, it is necessary to examine their hormonal responses during physical fitness exercises. This study aimed to investigate the effect of two combined training methods with and without blood flow restriction on some physical fitness (muscle strength and muscle endurance), anabolic (testosterone), and catabolic (cortisol) factors.

The present research was quasi-experimental with a pretest-posttest design. A total of 24 elderly men with no history of training participated in this study voluntarily. They were divided randomly into two experimental groups and one control group. Measurement included the 30-second sit-up test, the sit-up test with 50% of one-repetition maximum (to the point of fatigue), testosterone level, and cortisol level. In the group with blood flow restriction, both upper thighs were closed with cuffs and the exercise was performed with the intensity of 20-30% of 1RM, to the point of fatigue. In the training group without restriction, the same movements were performed with an intensity of 65- 80% of 1RM, to the point of fatigue. The covariance test and Bonferroni post hoc test were used to analyze the data.

The results showed that training with blood flow restriction had a significant effect on increasing muscle strength and muscle endurance similar to that caused by high-intensity training without blood flow restriction. Moreover, the results of the study on the effect of exercise with and without vascular occlusion on testosterone and cortisol levels showed that both training methods had similar effects on increasing testosterone levels and decreasing serum cortisol levels in older men.

Since heavy weight training is difficult and risky for the elderly, they can effectively practice low-intensity resistance exercises with blood flow restriction. Eventually, the study of other hormonal and neuromuscular mechanisms involved in the effectiveness of these exercises will expand knowledge in this field of study.