As we age, our blood vessels and muscles gradually lose some flexibility and strength, increasing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and falls. This study is testing a gentle exercise approach that uses soft cuffs around the upper legs to briefly and safely reduce blood flow during training. In simple terms, this mild restriction “tricks” the body into thinking it is working harder than it really is, prompting the blood vessels and muscles to release protective substances that improve circulation, blood-sugar control, and overall heart health.

People aged 60–70 will take part in two eight-week exercise blocks—one with the cuffs and one without—so the researchers can compare how each affects heart and blood-vessel function, blood pressure, blood sugar, and body composition (including muscle and fat mass). Balance and mobility will be tested using short walking and chair-stand exercises (4 m gait-speed test, Timed Up and Go, Fullerton Functional Fitness Test). These tests help identify changes in falls risk and independence.

1. The project aims to determine whether low-load/pressure Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) exercise (treadmill walking) produces greater improvements in biochemical markers of CVD risk than matched non-BFR training (just simple walking). The 2 interventions are compared in the same subjects across 8 weeks of exercise.

2. Secondary objectives are to assess changes in vascular function (relating to cardio, metabolic and kidney functioning), and functional mobility improve as a result of both interventions.

• The study involves older adults with cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors such as obesity, hypertension, and pre-diabetes. These are common conditions that may carry some social stigma or personal sensitivity.

• Age 60–70 years.

• Overweight or obese (BMI ≥ 27 kg/m² or waist > 94 cm men / > 80 cm women).

• Pre-diabetic or type 2 diabetic (HbA1c ≥ 38 mmol/mol and ≤ 64 mmol/mol) managed with diet ± stable oral therapy (no insulin).

• Medically stable with no recent hospitalisation (< 3 months).

• Resting BP < 160/100 mm Hg and resting ECG free of unstable arrhythmia or ischaemia.

• Cleared for participation via PAR-MedX screening and clinical review.

• Able to undertake low-to-moderate exercise and attend all supervised sessions at Med-Ex Christchurch.

• Provide written informed consent and agree to all study procedures.

Each participant will be involved in the study for approximately eight months in total.

This includes:

• an initial screening and baseline testing visit (medical history, ECG, blood pressure, blood and vascular measurements);

• two 8-week exercise phases (one with blood-flow restriction and one without); and

• an 8-week wash-out period between phases to allow recovery and minimise carry-over effects.

1. Participants will attend 2x supervised exercise sessions per week (approximately 60 minutes each, including warm-up and cool-down). In total, each person will complete about 32 training sessions and three main assessment visits (baseline, mid-study, and final).

2. During the exercise sessions, participants will walk on a treadmill at a comfortable, low to moderate intensity pace. In one phase, a light pneumatic cuff will be placed around the upper thigh to gently reduce blood flow (up to 40 % arterial occlusion pressure).

3. Heart rate, oxygen saturation, and blood pressure will be monitored continuously, and participants can stop at any time.

4. Additional assessments include no-invasive vascular assessments (e.g. pulse-wave velocity), ECG and ABPM, balance, functional fitness and gait tests, short questionnaires, and routine blood samples for metabolic and inflammatory markers.

Day 1
Time to settle in and start adventuring.

Day 2
Immerse yourself in your new surroundings.

Day 3
See the sights at your own pace, alone or in small groups.

Day 4
Sign up for an optional outdoor adventure or culinary exploration.

Day 5
Time to pack up and head home.

Participants may gain direct preventative and therapeutic benefits from involvement in this study through improvements in cardiovascular and metabolic health resulting from the structured exercise intervention. Blood flow restriction (BFR) walking training has been shown to safely enhance aerobic capacity, muscle strength, and vascular function at lower exercise intensities, making it particularly suitable for older adults or those with limited mobility.

Regular supervised participation may lead to:

1. Improved blood pressure regulation, lipid profile, and glycaemic control;

2. Enhanced physical fitness, balance, and confidence in movement;

3. Early identification of cardiovascular risk factors through baseline and follow-up assessments of blood and metabolic markers.

4. Although not intended as a diagnostic program, these measures may help participants and their healthcare providers recognise and manage modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease.