An evaluation of progressive blood flow restricted resistance training and exercise preferences in individuals with Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to examine the attitudes and preferences of people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) toward blood flow restricted resistance training (BFR-RT) and assess its acceptability and impact on muscle strength, functional capacity, quality of life, and pain.
Results Summary
The study found that BFR-RT was highly acceptable (100% approval), had good adherence (81%), and significantly improved strength, functional performance, and pain in people with RA, though no improvements in quality of life were observed.
Population
People with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
Effective Dosage
No more than three sessions per week, commencing at low-to-moderate intensity
Duration
Not specified in the abstract
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
blood flow restricted resistance training (BFR-RT) | increase | attitudes | people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) | - | viewed positively | #1 |
blood flow restricted resistance training (BFR-RT) | increase | acceptability | people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) | 100% "liked" the program | had high acceptability | #2 |
blood flow restricted resistance training (BFR-RT) | increase | session adherence | people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) | 81% | had high adherence | #3 |
blood flow restricted resistance training (BFR-RT) | increase | strength | people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) | - | elicited significant improvements | #4 |
blood flow restricted resistance training (BFR-RT) | increase | functional lower extremity related physical performance | people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) | - | elicited significant improvements | #5 |
blood flow restricted resistance training (BFR-RT) | decrease | pain | people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) | - | elicited significant improvements | #6 |
blood flow restricted resistance training (BFR-RT) | no change | quality of life | people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) | - | no improvements were observed | #7 |
PURPOSE: This two-part study examined the attitudes and preferences of people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) toward blood flow restricted resistance training (BFR-RT), and assessed the acceptability and impact of a progressive upper and lower body BFR-RT intervention. METHODS: Part one was a cross-sectional survey (N = 97) examining exercise preferences of people with RA, and their openness to BFR-RT. Part two was a single group trial (N = 12) examining the feasibility, acceptability, and impact of BFR-RT on muscle strength, functional capacity, quality of life, and pain, in people with RA. RESULTS: Survey results indicated people with RA would prefer BFR-RT if it was supervised by an exercise professional, be no more than three sessions per week, and commence at low-to-moderate intensity. The BFR-RT intervention in part two aligned with the part one results, had high acceptability (100% "liked" the program), session adherence (81%), and elicited significant (p < 0.05) improvements in strength, functional lower extremity related physical performance, and pain. However, no improvements in quality of life were observed (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: BFR-RT is viewed positively by people with RA, and when delivered in a way that aligns with their preferences, is acceptable, has high adherence, and can improve strength and function, and reduce pain.