Exploring Blood Flow Restriction as an Accessible Fitness Solution for Healthy Aging in Seniors

NCT07460609 | Active Not Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: 2337478-3
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 50
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

As people age, it can become harder to stay active and independent, especially when dealing with fatigue, joint pain, or other health problems. Heavy weightlifting and high-intensity exercise are effective but may not be comfortable or realistic for many older adults. This study is looking at a gentler type of exercise called blood flow restriction (BFR) training, which uses light weights and slow walking combined with special bands around the arms and legs to gently reduce blood flow during exercise. This method has been shown to help improve strength and fitness using much lighter loads, which may make it a safer and more accessible option for older adults. In this study, adults age 60 and older will be randomly assign into one of two groups: an exercise group or a health education group. The exercise group will take part in a six-week BFR program that includes supervised light resistance exercises and short walking sessions each week. The health education group will attend three educational sessions over six weeks that focus on healthy aging and ways to manage health and stay active. After the first six weeks, participants will have the chance to switch and take part in the other program, so everyone eventually receives both exercise and education. Before and after each program, participants will complete simple tests of strength, walking ability, and physical function, along with measurements of heart and blood vessel health, body composition, and blood markers related to aging and overall health. They will also fill out questionnaires about their quality of life, physical activity, and how they feel about their health and aging. The goal of this study is to find out whether BFR exercise and health education can support healthy aging, improve physical function, and help older adults feel more positive and confident about their health. What the study investigators learn may help create better, more accessible programs in the community to keep older adults stronger, healthier, and more independent.

Conditions

Healthy Ageing

Keywords

Healthy Aging; older adults; Low-load Exercise; Health Education; Physical Function; Vascular Health

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (9)

• Functional Exercise Capacity

  Measured by the distance in meters covered during a 6-minute walk.

  baseline and 6 weeks.

• Grip Strength

  Measured with a hand grip dynamometry in kilograms

  Baseline and 6 weeks.

• Lower Body Strength and Endurance

  Measured with a sit-to-stand test, seconds to complete 5 repetitions of sitting and standing from a chair.

  Baseline and 6 weeks

• Body Composition

  Adiposity will be measured by Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry as percent of body fat

  Baseline and 6 weeks

• Endothelial Function

  Measured via brachial artery flow mediated dilation. Percent FMD

  Baseline and 6 weeks

• Biomarker of Genetic Aging

  Klotho a marker of aging will be quantified through blood samples analysis. Measured with Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay.

  Baseline and 6 weeks

• Metabolic Health

  Cholestech LDX analyzer will measure levels of cholesterol HDL mg/dL from a finger prick sample.

  Baseline and 6 weeks

• Metabolic Health

  Cholestech LDX analyzer will measure levels of cholesterol LDL mg/dL from a finger prick sample.

  baseline and 6 weeks.

• Metabolic Health

  Cholestech LDX analyzer will measure levels of glucose mg/dL from a finger prick sample.

  Baseline and 6 weeks

Secondary Outcomes (2)

• Body Mass Index (BMI)

  Baseline and 6 week

• Blood Pressure

  Baseline and 6 weeks.

Other Outcomes (2)

• Height

  Baseline and 6 weeks

• Weight

  Baseline and 6 weeks

Study Arms (2)

Blood Flow Restriction Exercise Intervention

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants in this arm will complete a six-week blood flow restriction (BFR) exercise program. Training includes two weekly supervised sessions using low-load resistance exercises performed with BFR bands, along with two short BFR walking sessions completed at home. This program is designed to improve muscle strength, physical function, and cardiovascular health while using light exercise intensities that are well suited for older adults.

Behavioral: Blood Flow Restriction Training Exercise

Health Education Intervention

OTHER

Participants in this arm will take part in a six-week health education program consisting of three lectures sessions focused on healthy aging, disease prevention, and maintaining physical and mental well-being. Participants will continue their usual daily activities during this period. This arm serves as a comparison condition to evaluate how education alone influences perceptions of aging, health behaviors, and quality of life.

Behavioral: Health Education

Interventions

Blood Flow Restriction Training Exercise BEHAVIORAL

Participants will complete a six-week blood flow restriction exercise program consisting of low-load resistance training and short BFR walking sessions performed with standardized cuff pressures under supervision and at home to improve strength and functional capacity.

Blood Flow Restriction Exercise Intervention

Health Education BEHAVIORAL

Participants will attend a three health education lectures within six weeks on healthy aging, disease prevention, and lifestyle strategies while maintaining their usual daily activities.

Health Education Intervention

Eligibility Criteria

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

You may qualify if:

• Community-dwelling adults aged 60 years or older,
• Able to walk independently ,
• Willing to provide informed consent and participate in exercise and/or health education sessions.

You may not qualify if:

• Adults with uncontrolled disease (unstable or recent angina, heart failure class III-IV,
• Myocardial infarction within 6 months,
• Uncontrolled hypertension,
• Uncontrolled diabetes,
• Recent deep vain thrombosis,
• Uncontrolled renal disease,
• Those with severe orthopedic or neuromuscular condition that limit safe exercise or walking.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Baylor University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Marrs McLean Gym

Waco, Texas, 76706, United States

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Health Education

Interventions

Blood Flow Restriction Therapy

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Adherence Interventions; Medication Adherence; Patient Compliance; Patient Acceptance of Health Care; Treatment Adherence and Compliance; Health Behavior; Behavior

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Exercise Therapy; Rehabilitation; Aftercare; Continuity of Patient Care; Patient Care; Therapeutics; Physical Therapy Modalities

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: SUPPORTIVE CARE
• Intervention Model: CROSSOVER
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: December 12, 2025
• First Posted: March 10, 2026
• Study Start: August 1, 2025
• Primary Completion: March 15, 2026
• Study Completion: March 15, 2026
• Last Updated: March 10, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-03

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

US (1)