• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.18 no.10
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• pp.480-489
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• 2017

Blood flow restriction(BFR) exercise is defined as low intensity and short term exercise using pneumatic pressure belts at the top of limbs, which affects the physiological functions of the body. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of walking exercise with BFR on inflammatory index, isokinetic muscle function, and thigh circumference in obese women. Eleven obese women(> BMI $25kg/m^2$ & > body fat 30%) wore pneumatic pressure belts on both femurs and performed walking exercise twice per day, 3 days/wk for 4 weeks (walking 2 min; resting 1 min). Data analysis was carried out using paired t-test. Body weight, BMI, and body fat significantly decreased after exercise(p<.05), and right thigh circumference significantly decreased(p<.05). The concentration of plasma IL-6 significantly increased(p<.05) after exercise. TNF-${\alpha}$ level was not statistically different but tended to slightly increase. CRP slightly decreased, although it did not reach statistical significance after exercise. Muscle strength significantly increased in the $60^{\circ}/sec$ of right/left side extension, left side flexion, and $180^{\circ}/sec$ of left side extension after training(p<.05). These results suggest that 4 weeks of blood flow restriction walking exercise has positive effects on inflammatory index and isokinetic muscle function. Therefore, we consider that blood flow restriction exercise can be used for treatment of obesity, related chronic diseases, and metabolic syndrome. Further, blood flow restriction exercise for a short time has similar effects as a high intensity resistance program.