Physiotherapeutic approach to exercise with partial restriction of blood flow. Narrative review

Abstract

Objective: To describe the relevant aspects of this methodology for its practical application, integrating the specific characteristics that affect the prescription of the exercise and the factors that imply the responses of the human being, ending with recommendations for a practical approach based on exercise models. used in the field of orthopedics. Method: Narrative review based on the question: How to adequately apply strength training together with partial restriction of blood flow (BFR) in the daily life of a clinical-orthopedic context to enhance the known benefits and reduce potential risks? Results: Methodological aspects of the application of the technique, the prescription of the exercise, the various factors that influence its application and the approach that a physiotherapist in the field of orthopedics should consider were contrasted. The BFR protocols used in clinical trials of 15 reviews of the literature applied to the population with musculoskeletal injuries were analyzed. Conclusion: The clinical results of BFR are promising, but still scarce in quantity, a condition that has been facilitated by the wide variety of factors that affect the methodological application. The existing evidence allows us to summarize the main methodological aspects found in the orthopedic application and include suggestions for the application of BFR in the daily life of a clinical-orthopedic context.