Concurrent Training with Blood Flow Restriction does not Decrease Inflammatory Markers.

The aging process is associated with several changes in the elderly such as the decrease in cardiorespiratory fitness, strength and muscle mass, in addition to chronic low-grade inflammation. Concurrent training with blood flow restriction can be an interesting alternative to improve functional capacity with low mechanical stress in the elderly. The purpose of this study was to compare the inflammatory effects in older individuals submitted to two different protocols of concurrent training. Twenty-two healthy older adults (63.7±3.8 years; 69.8±8.9 kg; 1.6±0.1 m) performed 12 weeks of concurrent training (CT) or concurrent training with blood flow restriction (CTBFR) and the effects on inflammatory markers were analyzed. We found inflammatory behavior for the CTBFR group with a significant difference in serum concentration of C-reactive protein between pre- and post-moment (0.96±0.37 to 1.71±1.45, p=0.049), with no difference between groups, and a time effect in interleukin-6 (pre=0.86±0.43; post=1.02±0.46, p=0.016). We conclude that the CTBFR showed a pro-inflammatory profile after the period of intervention whereas the CT showed the opposite.

Effect of resistance, endurance, and concurrent training on TNF-α, IL-6, and CRP.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of 16 wk of resistance training (RT), endurance training (ET), and concurrent training (CT) on inflammatory markers, C-reactive protein (CRP), and functional capacity in sedentary middle-age men. METHODS: Healthy subjects were randomized into RT (n = 11), ET (n = 12), CT (n = 11), and a control group (n = 13). The subjects performed three weekly sessions lasting about 60 min for 16 wk. Maximal strength was tested in bench press and leg press. The peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) was measured in an incremental exercise test. Plasma tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and CRP levels were determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Maximal strength was increased after 16 wk, with no differences between RT and CT. VO2peak increased in ET and CT comparing before and after training. There were no significant differences in TNF-α, IL-6, and CRP comparing before and after training. CONCLUSIONS: Sixteen weeks of RT, ET, or CT in middle-age healthy men has not affected low and moderate IL-6, TNF-α, and CRP levels. CT performed in the same weekly frequency and session duration of ET and RT was effective in increasing both maximal strength and VO2peak, in addition to improvements in lipid profile.