Treinamento com restrição de fluxo sanguíneo em idosos:

Julian Alexander Bernardini; Carlos Ricardo Maneck Malfatti; Raul Osiecki

doi:10.46642/efd.v31i336.8421

Julian Alexander Bernardini Centro Universitário Guairacá (UNIGUAIRACÁ) https://orcid.org/0009-0000-1688-8137
Carlos Ricardo Maneck Malfatti Universidade Estadual do Centro-Oeste (UNICENTRO) https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1039-3034
Raul Osiecki Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR) https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3573-9468

DOI: https://doi.org/10.46642/efd.v31i336.8421

Abstract

Aging is associated with progressive loss of muscle strength and mass, which compromises functionality and quality of life in older adults. High-load resistance training is effective in attenuating these effects but is not always feasible due to clinical limitations. In this context, blood flow restriction (BFR) applied to low-intensity exercise emerges as a promising alternative. This literature review aimed to analyze the effects of BFR on muscular, functional, and hemodynamic variables in older adults. The search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases between January and May 2025, using descriptors in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, with filters applied to studies published between 2015 and 2025, in humans, and with full text available. A total of 12 studies were included, most of them randomized clinical trials, along with one quasi-experimental design. The results indicated that 9 studies reported increases in muscle strength, 7 increases in muscle mass, 5 improvements in functional capacity, and 4 demonstrated hemodynamic safety, supporting the effectiveness and tolerability of the technique. In conclusion, BFR represents a safe and effective alternative to traditional resistance training, with potential application in gyms, rehabilitation clinics, and public health programs to promote active aging.

Keywords: Older adults, Physical exercice, Muscle strength, Blood flow restriction, Resistance training

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