Kaatsu: the benefits of exercises for lower back pain would be overestimated

Low back pain is widespread around the world. This disease deteriorates the quality of life of those who suffer from it, and exercise can be a solution to relieve these pains. Recently, a particular type of exercise, known as Kaatsu, has gained popularity.

This is training that limits blood flow to certain muscle groups. When the oxygen supply to these exercising muscle groups is depleted, the muscle cells produce energy anaerobically, that is, without oxygen. The goal behind this practice is to increase metabolic stress in order to increase muscle gain.

If Kaatsu is becoming more democratic among bodybuilders, a study published in September in the magazine Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, questions benefits.

Anaerobic exercises and muscle strength

Brian Clark, professor of neuroscience at the Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine at Ohio University, has studied this discipline. Kaatsu reduces blood flow to the muscle group being exercised.

Some studies indicate that the benefits also go to other muscles that are not used, and that hormonal processes enhance the effect of aerobic exercise on other muscles. The team of researchers tried to analyze whether it would improve light, aerobic workouts on trunk extensor muscles which are negatively affected in people with low back pain.

For this, they compared the effects of aerobic exercises on the trunk extensor muscles of 30-year-old adults, with and without an immediate prior Kaatsu session. Contrary to the positive results of previous research, the researchers found no significant difference. For this specific case, they carried out rigorous control measures, absent from previous research, in order to minimize bias. Furthermore, the team of evaluators, data analysts and statisticians did not know whether the data studied came from the test group or the control group.

Other options are possible to treat low back pain

What are the options for people with low back pain who are reluctant to undergo surgery? First, correcting posture could go a long way in relieving back pain. Light stretching and flexibility exercises like yoga and tai chi (only under supervision) are also known to help strengthen core muscles with gentle movement. Likewise, aerobic exercises like walking are excellent preventative measures. Additionally, people with chronic low back pain need to know if their diet is causing or worsening inflammation. Maintaining a healthy weight is important. Painkillers can be taken, but they are not recommended for prolonged use due to possible side effects.