A recent article in The Guardian newspaper (here) discussed a collaborative research study between the University of British Columbia and the University of California San Francisco to examine whether exercise in the elderly benefits the brain (study accessible here).
This study provides more evidence that elderly people who exercise can benefit from improved cognitive health and function. That’s good news. Where I see cause for concern is that other studies looking at the intensity of exercise required suggest the benefits of exercise come in when the level is at least moderate (i.e. a brisk walk for 30 minutes).
“Moderate” is not where a lot of people are at when it comes to the level of exercise they are capable of, either due to age or physical condition. Some of this can be overcome as people progressively get into better shape and become able to do more. However, for some people, for a variety of reasons, even achieving “moderate” levels of physical activity will be a challenge.
This is Where KAATSU Can Help
I often describe KAATSU’s effect as “boosting” the effects of movement. You can do very light exercises and get a stronger physiological effect when you use KAATSU compared to doing those very same light exercises alone. This is demonstrated in the studies showing greater muscle growth and strength gains in people using KAATSU compared to the non-KAATSU wearing group.
One study comparing slow walk training with older adults showed the KAATSU group increased thigh muscle mass by 12% compared to the control (non-KAATSU) group. The KAATSU wearers also saw improvements in knee extension strength and functional ability (measured by Up & Go and Chair Stand tests). Walking was done at a pace of 4 km/hr in this study. A “brisk” pace – a requirement for “moderate” exercise levels – is considered 8 km/hr.
I feel this is important because reaching the “moderate” level of exercise intensity is what is recommended for those who want to use exercise to help prevent dementia. Those who can’t exercise at a moderate intensity would seem to be able to use KAATSU and light exercise to stimulate the physiological effects of a higher-intensity workout. KAATSU use could enable millions of people to exercise more effectively and potentially help ward off dementia and other neurodegenerative conditions.
The video below shows the results of KAATSU use in an elderly woman who was wasting away in a hospital bed, with no movement or consciousness. With good care – and KAATSU training – she gradually regained her speech and her ability to walk. It’s never too late to start with KAATSU – but don’t wait too long 😉