The study aimed to review the literature on the effects related to post-exercise of graduated compression garments (GCGs) use on muscle recovery and delayed onset muscle soreness. The search was performed in Pubmed/Medline, Bireme, Scielo, and Lilacs electronic databases using the following descriptors in English: "compression clothing", "physical exercise", "recovery", "physical activity", "compression stockings" and "delayed onset muscle soreness". The search resulted in 102 articles and after removing duplicates, applying exclusion criteria and checking the reference lists, nine studies fulfilled the criteria and were included in the review. Seven studies associated the use of GCGs with reduction of delayed muscle soreness and improvement in performance after the use of compression clothes. However, the methodological quality of the studies, using PEDro scale, presented an average of 5.1±0.9 points (out of a total of 11 points), classified as intermediate. In conclusion, although the positive effects of using CGCs on improving recovery and reduction of delayed muscle soreness after physical exercises are almost consensual, the insufficient methodological quality of the included studies requires careful consideration of the results.

Resumo O treinamento de baixa intensidade com restrição do fluxo sanguíneo (RFS) tem sido sugerido como alternativa para o treinamento adultos mais velhos e idosos. Assim, o presente estudo objetivou revisar a literatura existente referente ao efeito do treinamento com RFS em adultos mais velhos e idosos. A estratégia de busca consistiu a partir de estudos experimentais que objetivaram verificar os efeitos do treinamento com RFS sobre qualquer desfecho em indivíduos com 50 anos ou mais. Foi realizada busca eletrônica nas bases de dados Pubmed/ Medline, Bireme, Scielo, Lilacs e Cochrane, publicados até dezembro de 2015. Foram incluídos estudos experimentais, publicados em inglês e português, com adultos com 50 anos ou mais. A escala Downs & Black foi utilizada para averiguar a qualidade metodológica dos artigos. Dos 60 estudos encontrados, 12 foram incluídos na revisão. O treinamento com RFS melhorou o grau de força, a massa, o torque e a potência muscular, a capacidade funcional, a saúde óssea, a complacência venosa, o consumo de oxigênio de pico, o fluxo sanguíneo e o equilíbrio e a performance geral. Quanto à qualidade metodológica os estudos apresentaram um escore médio de 16,2 pontos (DP=1,6). A prescrição de exercícios de baixa intensidade com RFS pode ser uma alternativa para o treinamento de adultos mais velhos e idosos. Porém, futuros estudos devem atentem para a qualidade metodológica, especialmente validade externa e poder, principais lacunas apresentadas pelos estudos revisados.

Abstract Low-intensity training with blood flow restriction (BFR) has been suggested as an alternative to physical training for older adults. The present study aimed to review the literature regarding the effect of training with BFR for older adults. The search strategy consisted of experimental studies aimed at verifying the effects of training with BFR on any outcome in older adults. An electronic search in PubMed / Medline, Bireme Scielo, Lilacs and Cochrane Library databases, published until December 2015 was conducted. Experimental studies that considered individuals aged 50 years and over published in English or Portuguese, were included. The Downs & Black scale was used to assess the methodological quality of articles. Of the 60 studies, 12 were included in the review. Training with BFR improved body mass, torque and muscle power; functional capacity; bone health; venous compliance; peak oxygen uptake; and blood flow; balance and overall performance. The methodological quality of studies had mean score of 16.2 points (SD = 1.6). The prescription of low-intensity exercises with BFR may be an alternative of training for older adults. However, future studies should address the methodological quality, especially external validity and power, the main gaps in articles reviewed in this study.