Effects of Restriction of Blood Flow on Disuse Muscular Atrophy and Weakness around Knee Joint by Non-weight Bearing.

This study aimed to examine the effects of restriction of blood flow on disuse muscular atrophy and weakness around the knee joint by non-weight bearing. The subjects were 15 healthy men. They were divided into three groups : Group A (restriction of blood flow), Group B (isometric training), Group C (control). We monitored the changes in their muscular strengths and circumferences of the femoral regions for two weeks. In Group A, the muscular strength of the knee extensor and flexor did not significantly change between before and after the experiment. The percent of decrease in muscular strengths was significantly smaller in Group A than those of Group B and C. The decrease in circumferences of the femoral regions after two weeks in Group A tended to be smaller than those of Group B and C. In conclusion, these findings suggest that the restriction of blood flow is an effective method of rehabilitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]