Document Type : Original Article
Authors
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Assistant Professore in Exercise Physiology, Department of Sport Sciences, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, University of Zabol, Zabol, IRAN.
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2. Ms in exercise physiology, Department of Sport Sciences, College of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Sistan and Baluchestan, Zahedan, IRAN
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1. Assistant Professore in Exercise Physiology, Department of Sport Sciences, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, University of Zabol, Zabol, IRAN
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Masoumeh Sadeghinejad, Ph.D. Candidate in Medical Sciences, Department of Medical and Molecular Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
Abstract
Background and Aim: Aging is associated with impaired angiogenic responses and vascular homeostasis, highlighting the potential of innovative interventions such as blood flow-restricted (BFR) resistance training to improve vascular function. This study aimed to investigate the effects of 12 weeks of resistance training with and without BFR on hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and nitric oxide (NO) in older adults. Materials and Methods: In this clinical trial, 45 older adults (mean age 62.41 ± 4.15 years) were purposively recruited and randomly assigned to three equal groups: BFR resistance training (20–30% 1RM), resistance training without BFR (70–80% 1RM), and a control group. Training sessions were conducted twice weekly for 12 weeks. Blood samples were collected pre- and post-intervention to measure serum HIF-1α and VEGF via ELISA, and NO via Griess assay. Data were analyzed using ANCOVA and LSD post-hoc tests, with significance set at p ≤ 0.05. Results: Following 12 weeks, both resistance training groups exhibited significant increases in HIF-1α (61% and 87%), VEGF (13% and 15%), and NO (16% for both) compared to baseline, with changes significantly greater than the control group (p < 0.05). HIF-1α levels were significantly higher in the BFR group compared to the non-BFR group (p = 0.01). No significant differences were observed between training groups for VEGF (p = 0.08) or NO (p = 0.16). Conclusion: Resistance training with and without BFR increases the levels of HIF-1α, VEGF, and NO, thereby improving endothelial function and vascular remodeling in older adults, and can be considered an effective approach for preventing age-related cardiovascular disorders.
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