Even though the muscles grew bigger, the body didn’t make more muscle or connective tissue proteins at a faster rate — meaning the growth happened without the usual increase in protein building.
Scientific Claim
Six weeks of low-load blood flow-restricted resistance exercise does not increase myofibrillar or connective tissue protein synthesis rates in healthy older adults aged 56–75, despite causing muscle hypertrophy.
Original Statement
“The observed muscle fiber hypertrophy was not mirrored by increases in either myofibrillar or connective tissue FSR.”
Evidence Quality Assessment
Claim Status
appropriately stated
Study Design Support
Design supports claim
Appropriate Language Strength
probability
Can suggest probability/likelihood
Assessment Explanation
The RCT design and direct biochemical measurement support causality, but small sample and lack of full methodological detail warrant probability language.
More Accurate Statement
“Six weeks of low-load blood flow-restricted resistance exercise may not increase myofibrillar or connective tissue protein synthesis rates in healthy older adults aged 56–75, despite causing muscle hypertrophy.”
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
Low-load blood flow-restricted resistance exercise produce fiber type-independent hypertrophy and improves muscle functional capacity in older individuals.
Even though the older adults’ muscles got bigger after six weeks of light exercise with blood flow restriction, their bodies didn’t make more of the main muscle or connective tissue proteins — which is surprising but true according to the study.