The effect of low load resistance training with blood flow restriction on muscle strength is well established in young (Takarada et al, 2000) and now older people (Patterson and Ferguson, 2009). We have also recently shown that low load resistance training with blood flow restriction enhances reactive hyperaemic blood flow (RHbf) to a greater extent compared to resistance training alone in young people (Patterson and Ferguson, 2008). However, the effect of this type of training on blood flow capacity in older individuals is currently unknown. The purpose of this study therefore was to determine the effect of low load resistance training combined with blood flow restriction on calf vascular capacity of older people. 11 healthy untrained participants (68 ± 2 yr, 170 ± 7 cm, 78 ± 8 kg) volunteered for the study which had local ethics committee approval. Participants trained 3 days per week for 4 weeks consisting of 3 sets of dynamic calf plantar-flexion to failure separated by 1 min rest. Participants trained both limbs at 25% of 1RM, one without and the other with blood flow restriction (110 mmHg) above the knee. Calf blood flow at rest (Rbf) and following reactive hyperaemia (RHbf) was assessed pre- and post-training using venous occlusion strain gauge plethysmography. Statistical analysis were performed using a repeated measures two-way (time x limb) ANOVA. Results are expressed as means ± standard deviation (SD). Rbf was similar between limbs at baseline and increased by 14% following resistance training with restricted blood flow and 18% in resistance training with normal blood flow (main effect for time, P<0.05), with no differences between limbs. The increase (P<0.05) in RHbf was greater (19.1 ± 5.1 to 26.8 ± 5.6 ml.min-1.100ml-1) following resistance training with blood flow restriction compared to the increase (21.7 ± 8.2 to 25.4 ± 6.5 ml.min-1.100ml-1) when resistance training was performed with normal blood flow. We have demonstrated that 4 weeks resistance training at 25% 1RM with blood flow restriction increased RHbf in older people by a greater extent compared to low load resistance training alone. Therefore as well as enhancing strength this type of training may also result in muscles that have a better endurance and ability to resist fatigue.