Effects of detraining after blood flow-restricted low-intensity training on muscle size and strength in older adults.

BACKGROUND: Although blood flow-restricted low-intensity resistance training (BFR-RT) increases muscle size and strength in older adults, the effect of detraining on muscle adaptation is unclear.

METHODS: We investigated the effects of 24 weeks of detraining on thigh muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) and one-repetition maximum strength (1-RM) in older adults who had previously participated in 12 weeks of training (BFR-RT, 20-30 % 1-RM, knee extension and leg press) or non-BFR training.

RESULTS: Both 1-RM and relative dynamic strengths (1-RM divided by quadriceps femoris (QF) muscle CSA) were higher at both post-training and detraining than at pre-training for the BFR-RT group (p < 0.05). QF muscle CSA was higher at only post-training than at pre-training for the BFR-RT group (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION: Increased muscle strength following 12 weeks of training with BFR-RT was well preserved at 24 weeks of detraining, which is due mainly to neural adaptation in older adults.