Blood Flow Restriction Walking for Older Adults: A Brief Review

Abstract

ABSTRACT Walking is a low-impact form of physical activity feasible, acceptable, and safe for load-compromised individuals, such as older adults. Options available to increase the potency of this exercise to promote training adaptations are generally limited to manipulation of speed, gradient, and duration. However, emerging studies have suggested that blood flow restriction (BFR) combined with walking is a method that can accentuate training-induced adaptations compared with walking alone. This narrative review aimed to examine the effectiveness and safety of BFR walking in older adults according to the existing literature. Of the limited evidence available on this topic, it appears that BFR walking compared with walking alone can induce significant increases in muscular hypertrophy and strength. Therefore, implementing BFR walking may be a feasible and safe option for older adults to enhance the effectiveness of their walking interventions, at least from a musculoskeletal perspective.