Profile of: Logan Peskett

Award Received: CIHR Canada Graduate Scholarship - Masters

Awarded for the project: The Impact of Chronic Blood Flow Restriction Training on Acute Physiological Response in Non-Physically Active Young and Older Adults

Department: Kinesiology

Supervisor: Dr. Martin Sénéchal

Finding an alternative to traditional resistance training is important for older adults who have physical limitations. My master’s research is looking at the acute physiological response to blood flow restriction (BFR) strength training in young and older adults. By using BFR older adults will be able to receive the same benefits as high-load resistance training while using lighter weights.

To measure this, I have collected blood samples before and immediately following the first and last sessions of a 6-week BFR exercise intervention. I have separated the plasma (plasma is ~55% of blood, it contains water, salt, and proteins) from these blood samples and will conduct protein analysis for three proteins. I have chosen these proteins as protein 1&2 promote muscle growth and protein 1&3 help create usable energy for the body. I hypothesize that protein 1 will increase following both exercise sessions, but protein 2&3 will not change.

This research will contribute to the field of exercise physiology by describing the underlying mechanisms that make BFR an effective alternative to traditional resistance training. This will benefit Canada’s aging population by providing a way for older adults to still receive the benefits of resistance training, even when they cannot use high loads.