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Background and objectives: Evidence suggests that decrease in the serum concentration of myostatin (MSTN) may reduce age-related decrement in muscle mass, especially in older individuals. This study aimed at investigating the effects of 12 weeks of resistance training with and without blood flow restriction on MSTN and muscular strength (MS) of elderly women.
Methods: Thirty elderly women were randomly assigned into three groups of resistance training with blood flow restriction (n=10), resistance training without blood flow restriction (n=10) and control (n=10). The resistance training intervention was carried out three sessions a week for 12 weeks. Body composition, MS and serum concentrations MSTN were assessed at baseline and 48-36 hours after the last training session.
Results: There was a significant time × group difference in MS following 12 weeks of exercise intervention (P=0.001). However, there was no significant group and time × group difference in MSTN concentrations (P=0.2).
Conclusion: Low intensity BFRT does not decrease MSTN concentrations in elderly women. However, low intensity BFRT can increase MS values in these individuals.