Author(s): SARRAZIN-BOESPFLUG, E., BRENES, C., BERGDAHL, A., Institution: CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY MONTREAL QUEBEC , Country: CANADA, Abstract-ID: 1076

INTRODUCTION:
Yoga is a low-intensity exercise modality widely recognized for its ability to improve flexibility, balance, and functional mobility, particularly in older adults (OA) [2]. Preserving flexibility is essential for maintaining independence and reducing fall risk in OA. Blood flow restriction (BFR) is an emerging training method that enhances muscular adaptations at low exercise intensities, primarily through increased growth hormone production, collagen synthesis, and motor unit recruitment [1,3]. While the effects of BFR on muscle strength are well established, its potential to increase flexibility remains unclear. It is hypothesized that incorporating BFR into a yoga intervention will amplify flexibility gains in OA beyond yoga alone, providing a novel, low-intensity approach to improving physical function. This study aimed to determine whether the addition of BFR to a yoga intervention would result in greater flexibility improvements than traditional yoga alone in OA.
METHODS:
Twenty-five OA (20 females, 5 males; mean age 69.3 ± 5.7 years), were randomized into a BFR (n=13) or control (CON) group (n=12). Those in the BFR group received 4 elastic bands to wear on their proximal arms and thighs. Tightness of the bands was evaluated based on a response of 7 (moderate pressure without pain) out of 10 using a perceived tightness scale. Medical history was obtained prior to study participation to ensure that individuals in the BFR group did not experience a cardiovascular event within the past 6 months and did not have varicose veins. No adverse events were reported during the study. Participants completed an 8-week remote yoga intervention, twice-weekly for 1 hour per class. Pre, mid and post testing included the sit and reach (SR) test for hamstring and lower back flexibility, the trunk rotation (TR) test for dominant (DOM) and non-DOM trunk flexibility and the back scratch test (BS) for DOM and non-DOM shoulder flexibility.
RESULTS:
Significant improvements were seen in the percent change from pre to post intervention for both the SR (p= 0.02), the DOM TR (p= 0.05), and the non-DOM BS (p=0.01) tests in the BFR group when compared to the CON group. For the DOM BS test, the BFR group demonstrated trends of greater mean improvement (pre: -2.8 ± 11.3), (mid: -1.3 ± 10.8), (post: -1.3 ± 11.9) when compared to the CON group (pre: -10.5 ± 14.9), (mid: -10.5 ± 14.7), (post: -10.8 ± 16.1). No trends or significance was observed in the non-DOM TR test when comparing the BFR group to the CON group.
CONCLUSION:
These findings suggest that incorporating BFR into a yoga intervention may enhance flexibility outcomes in OA. This study may offer a novel and accessible strategy for improving functional mobility in aging populations.
[1] Bowman et al., 2019
[2] Grabara & Szopa, 2015
[3] Patterson et al., 2019