1 Concordia University, Department of Health, Kinesiology and Applied Physiology, Montreal, Canada; daniipresta@hotmail.com.
2 Concordia University, Department of Health, Kinesiology and Applied Physiology, Montreal, Canada; andreas.bergdahl@concordia.ca.

Maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max) reflects the greatest amount of oxygen utilized upon exertion. Blood flow restriction (BFR) limits venous return, enabling low-intensity exercise to yield adaptations like high-intensity training. This study examined whether 5 weeks of online resistance training (RT) with BFR straps improves VO2, tidal volume, and respiratory frequency in older adults. Twenty-five participants (mean age: 70 ± 5.6) completed bi-weekly trainings. VO2 and respiratory measures were assessed during a 30-second sit-to-stand test. The BFR group showed significant VO2 gains, while respiratory measures remained unchanged. BFR may offer an effective strategy to enhance aerobic capacity in aging adults. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT06724393.