Moderate-Intensity Treadmill Walking With Blood Flow Restriction Improves Pulmonary Volumes in Older Adults

This quasi-experimental pilot study aimed to investigate whether a moderate-intensity treadmill walking program combined with blood flow restriction (BFR) could improve pulmonary function in trained older women. Fourteen physically active women (68.1 ± 3.6 years), free from major chronic diseases, were enrolled and allocated to either an intervention group (n = 7) or a control group (n = 7). The intervention group performed a modified Bruce treadmill protocol with BFR applied to both thighs at 30-40% of arterial occlusion pressure, whereas the control group completed the same training program without BFR. Both groups trained three times per week for 12 months, progressively advancing to stage 4 of the protocol.

Pulmonary function was assessed by spirometry every three months, measuring forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁) and forced vital capacity (FVC). The BFR group demonstrated significant improvements in FEV₁, increasing from approximately 2.26 L to 3.10 L, particularly during the first six months of the intervention, representing an improvement of nearly 41%. FVC also showed progressive increases; however, between-group differences did not reach statistical significance. The control group exhibited smaller and generally non-significant improvements.

The authors suggest that these benefits may be explained by mechanisms related to the metabolic stress induced by BFR, activation of the respiratory metaboreflex, and stimulation of anabolic signaling pathways such as Akt/mTOR, which may promote adaptations in the respiratory musculature. Additionally, hemodynamic parameters remained within safe ranges throughout the intervention, and no adverse events were reported, supporting the safety of the method.

Inclusion criteria

• Women aged 60 to 80 years without a diagnosis of chronic non-communicable diseases.
• Physically active individuals.
• At least 3 consecutive months of participation in structured exercise programs.
• Weekly physical activity volume ≥ 180 minutes, assessed using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ).

Exclusion criteria

• Use of ergogenic aids.
• Current smoking habit.
• Diagnosis of cardiometabolic diseases.
• Presence of neurological disorders or musculoskeletal impairments affecting the lower extremities.
• Peripheral vascular diseases.