Kaatsu training to enhance physical function of older adults with knee osteoarthritis: Design of a randomized controlled trial.

ABSTRACT: As the U.S. population ages, efficacious interventions are needed to manage pain and maintain physical function among older adults with osteoarthritis (OA). Skeletal muscle weakness is a primary contributory factor to pain and functional decline among persons with OA, thus interventions are needed that improve muscle strength. High-load resistance exercise is the best-known method of improving muscle strength; however high-compressive loads commonly induce significant joint pain among persons with OA. Thus interventions with low-compressive loads are needed which improve muscle strength while limiting joint stress. This study is investigating the potential of an innovative training paradigm, known as Kaatsu, for this purpose. Kaatsu involves performing low-load exercise while externally-ap

SUBMITTER: Buford TW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4522335 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature