Effects of Resistance Training with Blood Flow Restriction on muscle strength, mass, and quality of life of Cirrhotic patients

INTERVENTION: 30 participants will be randomly distributed in a counterbalanced way between two groups: 1) 15 participants (n = 15) to the resistance training with blood‐flow restriction group(BFR‐RT); and 2) 15 participants (n = 15) to the control group (CTRL). Assessments will be carried out in two different time points: before the training intervention (0W) and after twelve weeks (12W). The following variables will be assessed: Child‐Pugh classification, MELD score, SF‐36 questionnaire, fatigue severity index, 6‐minute walk test, timed‐up and go, 30 seconds sitting and rising test, dietary record, one‐repetition maximum strength test (1‐RM), and vastus lateralis’ cross‐sectional area (CSA), PA and FL. The experimental group will undergo 12 weeks of BFR‐RT (1x30 repetitions and 3x15 repetitions at 20% 1‐RM and 50% of total blood‐flow occlusion pressure), with 2 sessions per week E02.760.169.063.500.387 CONDITION: C06.552.630 C23.300.775 E01.370.600.425 Liver Cirrhosis, muscle strength, hypertrophy ; E01.370.600.425 ; C23.300.775 ; C06.552.630 PRIMARY OUTCOME: Significant hypertrophy for the vastus lateralis muscle after 12 weeks of resistance training, assessed through ultrasound imaging; ; Significant increase in knee extensors muscle strength after 12 weeks of resistance training, assessed though 1 repetition maximum test; ; Significant increases in pennation angle and fascicle length after 12 weeks of resistance training, assessed through ultrasound imaging; ; Significant increase in functionality, assessed through the timed‐up‐and‐go, 6‐minute walk and 30‐second rising and sitting tests ; SECONDARY OUTCOME: Maintenance of the liver cirrhosis scores, with no alterations in MELD and Child‐Pugh scores after 12 weeks of resistance training INCLUSION CRITERIA: Liver cirrhosis confirmed through histopathological assessment, hepatic elastography, or clinical, radiological or endoscopic criteria