The present article presents the details pertaining to the application of resistance training associated to vascular occlusion in IBM patients.
1. Determination of full vascular occlusion pressure
2. Resistance training with vascular occlusion
We presented a novel, and likely the first, non pharmacological therapeutic tool able to counteract the muscle atrophy and decline of strength that usually occurs in patients with IBM under conventional treatment. Resistance training with vascular occlusion is a relatively novel training method, but results are very encouraging. We have found that after a 12-wk training program, an IBM patient’s leg press one-repetition maximum, balance and mobility function, and thigh cross-sectional area increased 15.9%, 60%, and 4.7%, respectively. Health Survey Questionnaire subscales demonstrated improvements ranging from 18% to 600% and mRNA expression of mechanogrowth factor increased 3.97-fold, whereas that of atrogin-1 decreased 0.62-fold4,5. This video describes in details the protocol of a resistance training program with vascular occlusion for this population. The appropriate determination of full vascular occlusion pressure is essential for the correct implementation of this training modality and it may be applied to any patient undergoing regular resistance exercise program. Equipments required consist of a vascular Doppler, two customized tourniquets cuffs with pressure manometers and a regular training facility. Moreover, we recommend that each training session is supervised by at least one physical trainer in order to ensure the safety and efficacy of the proposed method.
We would like to thank Mr. Julio Maia for participating in this video and Mr. Joel S. Torres for reviewing the manuscript. Bruno Gualano is supported by Conselho Nacional de Pesquisa e Tecnologia.
Material Name | Type | Company | Catalogue Number | Comment |
---|---|---|---|---|
Vascular Doppler | ||||
Treadmill (optional) | ||||
Two customized tourniquets cuffs with pressure manometers | ||||
Conventional blood pressure cuff | ||||
Leg extension machine | ||||
Leg press machine | ||||
Ankle weights |