THE EFFICACY AND VALIDITY OF BLOOD FLOW RESTRICTION TRAINING IN CLINICAL AND POST-SURGICAL POPULATIONS

• Main Authors: Brian Serrano, Jacqueline Serrano
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: IJPHY 2019-10-01
• Series: International Journal of Physiotherapy
• Subjects: Blood flow restriction training; occlusion training; BFR training; venous occlusion; low load resistance training; resistance training
• Online Access: https://www.ijphy.org/index.php/journal/article/view/491

Background: We currently know BFR training is a viable modality for strength gains in the healthy population. However, it is unknown the effect of BFR training on post-surgical and clinical populations. Furthermore, the optimal use of the BFR modality regarding resistance vs. no-resistance (bodyweight) is also unknown. This literature review adds new information to the field of BFR training specifically in the post-surgical and clinical populations. The objective of the study is to explore the validity and efficacy of blood-restriction training (BFR) in conjunction with low-load resistance training (LL-BFR) versus low-load training without BFR and high-load resistance training without BFR to determine which is superior for strength gains. Methods: The authors used SPORTDiscus, EBSCO, PubMed, and Science Direct to search for peer-reviewed articles. The articles chosen had the keywords/phrases “BFR,” “vascular occlusion,” “strength training,” “resistance training.” The studied emphasized patients with either clinical conditions (osteoarthritis) or musculoskeletal injuries (ACL reconstruction, total knee arthroplasty, knee arthroscopy). One hundred seventy-one articles were screened, and 17 articles reviewed. Results: BFR, in conjunction with low-load resistance training yields superior strength gains when compared to lowload training alone (p<.05). The outcome measures show a higher 1-rep max (isotonic strength) and greater muscle size (cross-sectional area, muscle mass, muscle volume) (p<.05). However, BFR with low-load resistance training does not yield superior strength gains in comparison to high-load resistance training alone (p<.03). Conclusion: As healthcare providers treating patients with musculoskeletal conditions, we know the importance of resistance training as a tool for rehabilitation and activities of daily living. However, at times heavy resistance training is contraindicated either due to joint instability/degeneration, pain, surgical restrictions. BFR training can be implemented with a 10-30% 1-rep max for comparable strength gains. This can be a potential tool used to offset post-surgical atrophy and atrophy due to arthralgia seen in certain systemic conditions. This can translate to better functional outcomes in post-surgical patients and superior quality of life in the geriatric population.