Effects of detraining after blood flow-restricted low-intensity training on muscle size and strength in older adults

Background Although blood flow-restricted low-intensity resistance training (BFR-RT) increases muscle size and strength in older adults, the effect of detraining on muscle adaptation is unclear. Methods We investigated the effects of 24 weeks of detraining on thigh muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) and one-repetition maximum strength (1-RM) in older adults who had previously participated in 12 weeks of training (BFR-RT, 20-30 % 1-RM, knee extension and leg press) or non-BFR training. Results Both 1-RM and relative dynamic strengths (1-RM divided by quadriceps femoris (QF) muscle CSA) were higher at both post-training and detraining than at pretraining for the BFR-RT group (p < 0.05). QF muscle CSA was higher at only post-training than at pre-training for the BFR-RT group (p < 0.01). Conclusion Increased muscle strength following 12 weeks of training with BFR-RT was well preserved at 24 weeks of detraining, which is due mainly to neural adaptation in older adults.