Blood Flow Restriction Cycling for Functional Mobility in Older Adults

This randomized, sham-controlled trial investigates whether a six-week, twice-weekly low-load cycling program combined with individualized blood flow restriction (BFR) improves functional mobility and health-related quality of life in community-dwelling adults older than 70 years, compared with identical cycling exercise without effective BFR. Blood flow restriction is applied using thigh cuffs, individually calibrated to a percentage of each participant's measured limb occlusion pressure; the control group receives cycling exercise with a fixed, low sham cuff pressure. The co-primary outcomes are functional mobility, assessed using the De Morton Mobility Index (DEMMI), and health-related quality of life, assessed using the SF-36 questionnaire. Secondary outcomes include the Timed Up and Go test, the Six-Minute Walk Test, muscular strength, body composition, endurance capacity, and cardiovascular and metabolic safety parameters.

Inclusion Criteria: * Age \> 70 years * Community-dwelling * Written informed consent * Medical clearance for participation in exercise training with blood flow restriction (BFR) Exclusion Criteria: * Acute or chronic malignancy * Immunosuppression * Acute or chronic systemic infection * Sickle cell anemia * Previous vascular surgery of the lower extremities (e.g., bypass grafting or stent implantation)