[Training methods and trainability]

Abstract

Background: The need for effective training methods for positive adaptations in muscle strength and bone mineralization, suitable for all groups of patients, arises in both rehabilitation and pre-habilitation. In addition to mechanical stress, an increased metabolic stress, by means of reduced blood supply of the muscle, seems to induce positive adaptations as well.

Objectives: Description of the effects of resistance training and opportunities of blood-flow restriction training in a clinical setting.

Methods: Key and specialized literature RESULTS: Regularly applied high mechanical loads are suitable to induce increases in muscle strength and mass as well as bone mineralization. In principle, the trainability of these tissues is given over the entire life span, although the adaptation of the muscle mass is reduced in the prepubertal and later stages of life. Classic strength training is particularly suitable as a training method to apply this stimulus quality (mechanical stress). For some years now, however, there has been increasing evidence that even low-intensity resistance training associated with metabolic stress is capable of producing hypertrophic effects and increasing muscle strength. This observation is particularly interesting for target groups whose mechanical capacity of the musculoskeletal system is reduced. Blood-flow-restriction training is particularly suitable as a training method for the application of this stimulus quality (metabolic stress). The data available on the effectiveness of low-intensity stress protocols on bone structure is still insufficient. Further research is needed to make evidence-based recommendations.

Keywords: Adaptation, physiological; Mechanical stress; Metabolic stress; Muscle strength; Strength training.