Low-BFR vs Moderate-Intensity Resistance Training on Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Elderly Women

NCT07266961 | Completed DMC

• 1 other identifier: DrSoetomoLIRT-BFR&MIRT
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 60
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This study is aiming to compare the CRF utilizing LIRT-BFR and MIRT in the elderly. Both techniques provided comparable gains in VO₂ max and the BORG scale. The BFR group displayed a greater level of safety for elderly to undertake resistance training with the same benefit as the MIRT group.

Conditions

Cardiorespiratory Fitness

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• VO₂max

  The main parameter evaluated in this study is cardiorespiratory fitness using VO₂max prediction value by carrying out a 6MWT.

  The VO₂max was measured before the intervention and after the intervention in the third and sixth weeks. The participants took a rest of at least 30 minutes after the resistance training to avoid fatigue in the legs, which could interfere with the 6MWD.

Secondary Outcomes (1)

• BORG RPE Scale

  RPE was measured with the BORG Scale 6-20 to determine the participant's level of difficulty and exertion after the 6 MWT. The evaluation of RPE was continued for 60 minutes as guarantee the participant's safety and to monitor the complications.

Study Arms (2)

LIRT-BFR group

EXPERIMENTAL

The LIRT-BFR group used a cuff on the upper third of the thigh with a restriction pressure of 50 mmHg or 40% Arterial Occlusion Pressure to apply BFR while engaging in low-load resistance training that targeted the quadriceps femoris muscle at an intensity of 20-30% of 1-RM. The resistance training protocol consists of four sets of knee extensions using an ankle weight in a sitting position. Each set consists of 30 repetitions on the first set and 15 repetitions each on sets 2-4 with a 30-second interval between sets. The air pressure cuff was deflated during the interval period. In the third week, the weight load was recalculated to 40% of 1-RM in order to accommodate subsequent 1-RM testing procedures.

Other: Low Intensity Resistance Training and Blood Flow Resistance

MIRT group

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

The MIRT group conducted three sessions of moderate-intensity resistance training, concentrating on the quadriceps femoris muscle, with weights set at 40-60% of their 1RM or higher. While the MIRT protocol resembled that of LIRT-BFR, each session comprised 8-12 repetitions, followed by a 2-minute rest between sets. In the third week, the 1-RM testing protocol was revised, with the weight adjusted to 60% of the 1-RM.

Other: Moderate Intensity Resistance Training

Interventions

Low Intensity Resistance Training and Blood Flow Resistance OTHER

The LIRT-BFR group used a cuff on the upper third of the thigh with a restriction pressure of 50 mmHg or 40% Arterial Occlusion Pressure to apply BFR while engaging in low-load resistance training that targeted the quadriceps femoris muscle at an intensity of 20-30% of 1-RM. The resistance training protocol consists of four sets of knee extensions using an ankle weight in a sitting position. Each set consists of 30 repetitions on the first set and 15 repetitions each on sets 2-4 with a 30-second interval between sets. The air pressure cuff was deflated during the interval period. In the third week, the weight load was recalculated to 40% of 1-RM in order to accommodate subsequent 1-RM testing procedures.

LIRT-BFR group

Moderate Intensity Resistance Training OTHER

The MIRT group conducted three sets of moderate-intensity resistance training, concentrating on the quadriceps femoris muscle, with weights set at 40-60% of their 1RM or higher. While the MIRT protocol resembled that of LIRT-BFR, each set comprised 8-12 repetitions, followed by a 2-minute rest between sets. In the third week, the 1-RM testing protocol was revised, with the weight adjusted to 60% of the 1-RM.

MIRT group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 60 Years+
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Female aged ≥60 years who routinely performed aerobic exercise in RSUD Dr. Soetomo
• Normal cognitive function (MoCA-Ina score ≥ 26)
• Passed the screening questionnaire.

You may not qualify if:

• Severe physical disability (presented with a musculoskeletal, cardiorespiratory, or neurological disease that affected physical performance during exercise)
• Visual and hearing impairment
• Balance impairment
• Blood clotting disorder
• Peripheral arterial disease on the legs
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Neuropathy in the lower extremity
• Uncontrolled hypertension or diabetes mellitus
• Previous stroke and compartment syndrome
• Knee osteoarthritis with moderate pain (VAS \>4)
• Past vascular surgery
• Prior skin graft on the lower leg area
• Lower limb bone surgery within the past 12 weeks
• Immobilization during the last 4 weeks
• Statin consumption

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Dr. Soetomo General Hospital: lead

Study Sites (1)

Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation - Dr. Soetomo Regional Hospital

Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia

Location

Study Officials

• Nuniek Nugraheni Sulistiawaty

  Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation - Dr. Soetomo Regional Hospital

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: SINGLE GROUP
• Sponsor Type: OTHER GOV
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: November 25, 2025
• First Posted: December 5, 2025
• Study Start: June 1, 2023
• Primary Completion: August 31, 2023
• Study Completion: November 30, 2023
• Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-10

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

ID (1)