Low Load Blood Flow Restriction Resistance Training in Colorectal Cancer Related Sarcopenia

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of low-load resistance training combined with blood flow restriction on muscle strength, functional performance, and cancer-related fatigue in colorectal cancer survivors with probable sarcopenia. BACKGROUND: Muscle weakness and cancer-related fatigue are prevalent in colorectal cancer survivors with probable sarcopenia and are associated with adverse outcomes (Brown et al., 2022; Caan et al., 2018). High-load resistance training is often poorly tolerated in this population (Schmitz et al., 2019). Although low-load resistance training with blood flow restriction shows promise, CRC-specific randomized evidence remains limited (Patterson et al., 2019; Arnold et al., 2017). HYPOTHESES: It is hypothesized that low-load blood flow restriction resistance training will lead to significant improvements in muscle strength and functional performance, and a significant reduction in cancer-related fatigue in colorectal cancer survivors with probable sarcopenia. RESEARCH QUESTION: Does low-load blood flow restriction resistance training will lead to significant improvements in muscle strength and functional performance, and a significant reduction in cancer-related fatigue in colorectal cancer survivors with probable sarcopenia?