Sağlıklı Bireylerde Kan Akımı Kısıtlamalı Egzersiz Eğitiminin Alt Ekstremite Kas Kuvveti, Denge, Fonksiyonel ve Bilişsel Performansa Etkisi

Abstract

This randomized controlled study was conducted to investigate the effects of blood flow restricted exercise training on lower extremity muscle strength, balance, functional and cognitive performance in healthy individuals. 28 healthy individuals between the ages of 18-30 were included in the study. Participants were randomly divided into two groups: Low-Intensity Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Exercise Training and High Intensity Standard Exercise Training (SE). A 6-week exercise program consisting of lower extremity strengthening and balance exercises was applied to both groups under the supervision of a physiotherapist 2 days a week. The exercise program of the participants in the BFR group was carried out at individualized occlusion pressure through the H+Cuff® placed on the proximal thigh, while the same exercises were applied to the participants in the SE group without blood flow restriction. Before and after exercise, muscle strength was measured by "Digital Hand-Held Dynamometer", dynamic balance was measured by "Y Balance Test", static balance was measured by "Single Leg Stance Test" with eyes open and closed, functional performance was measured by "Single Leg Hop Test" and "6 Minute Walking Test", Cognitive performance was evaluated with "Trail Making Test" and the "Stroop Color and Word Test". After 6 weeks of exercise training, statistically significant improvements were achieved in all evaluation criteria in both the BFR and SE groups (p<0.05). However, no statistically significant difference was detected in any evaluation criteria in comparisons between the groups (p>0.05). As a result, it was seen that both exercise methods were effective in improving muscle strength, dynamic and static balance, functional and cognitive performance, but neither method was superior to the other. However, considering that the SE group received higher intensity exercise training than the BFR group, it was seen that BFR training had the same effect at lower exercise intensities.