The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of low-intensity resistance training with blood flow restriction on Serum VEGF, Sclerostin, bone markers and bone mineral density in elderly women.

Twenty-one elderly women subjects (78.7 ± 6.9 years) participated in this study. The subjects were divided into three groups: low intensity resistance training with blood flow restriction(BFR-LRT, n=8); high intensity resistance training(HRT, n=8); low intensity resistance training (LRT, n=5).

All subjects were measured body composition, serum blood test(VEGF, Sclerostin, Bone ALP, CTX), calcaneus bone mineral density(BMD), maximum strength(1RM), muscle functional test before initial resistance training and after last resistance training.
Both the BFR-LRT and LRT groups worked out knee extension and leg curl exercises at 20% of each estimated one-repetition maximum(1RM), and HRT group worked out knee extension and leg curl exercises at 70% of each estimated 1RM , 3 days per week, for 12 weeks.

After 12 weeks, serum VEGF level have increased significantly among BFR-LRT group compared to HRT and LRT groups. Serum sclerostin level have not changed significantly among three groups. Serum Bone ALP level have increased significantly among BFR-LRT and HRT groups compared to LRT group. Serum CTX level have not changed significantly among all groups. Calcaneus BMD have increased significantly among BFR-LRT and HRT groups compared to LRT group. Calcaneus BMD have not changed significantly among LRT group.

Maximum strength(1RM) have increased significantly among BFR-LRT and HRT groups compared to LRT group. 2-minute step test have increased significantly among all groups. 2-minute step test have not statistically significant difference between three groups. Chair stand test have increased significantly among BFR-LRT group compared to HRT group. Chair stand test have not changed significantly among LRT group. 2.44 up-and-go test have decreased significantly among BFR-LRT and HRT groups. 2.44 up-and-go test have not changed significantly among LRT group.

In conclusion, despite using low intensity load, BFR-LRT is a efficient training alternative to HRT for improving bone and muscle metabolism in older women.